Brazil Halts Prediction Markets, 20+ Platforms Cited Under Gambling Law

Brazil has moved to restrict prediction markets under a new resolution issued on Friday. Authorities ordered platforms to stop operations, citing violations of federal gambling laws. The decision targets services like Polymarket that allow speculation on real-world events.

According to a Bloomberg report, the National Monetary Council said prediction markets do not fit within existing financial rules. These platforms offer contracts based on outcomes without underlying assets. Officials described this structure as risky for users and the broader system.

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Brazil Blocks Event-Based Prediction Contracts

More than 20 platforms have already been restricted. The move is part of a broader campaign to prevent unregulated services. The government wants to curb the further expansion of prediction markets in the country.

The resolution prohibits derivatives that are based on non-financial events. These are sports, gambling, and politically or culturally associated activities. The new regulations forbid the use of such outcome-based contracts.

According to regulators, only instruments that have a clear financial meaning will be permitted. The contracts are to be connected with assets, which may be currencies, stocks, or economic indicators. Any other product other than this will not be allowed.

Valid financial references will be determined under the Brazilian securities regulator, the Comissao de Valores Mobiliarios. The agency also will make sure that all participants in the market are compliant. This move places regulators in charge of the classification of financial contracts.

The relocation is in the wake of the growing popularity of prediction markets around the world. Several clients use these platforms to trade on futures. Nevertheless, there has been a concern by regulators over the issue of oversight and misuse of information.

US and Brazil Move Against Prediction Markets

In the US, several states have acted against the prediction markets. There are regulations against trading by officials who have access to sensitive information. Other initiatives seek to restrict or even prohibit such sites.

B3 SA, which is the main stock exchange of Brazil, is also affected by the decision. The exchange has been looking into products associated with the future. Under the new regulatory framework those plans will not continue.

B3 will continue to roll out six contracts based on financial indicators on April 27. These are the Ibovespa index, national currency, and Bitcoin. These products comply with the stipulations of regulators.

The limits come before the presidential election in Brazil in October. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will most likely run against Flavio Bolsonaro. The new regulations prevent prediction markets from providing contracts on election outcomes.

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