Régis Dudena leaves Brazil’s SPA role during regulatory transition
People moves2 min read
Régis Dudena formalised his departure as secretary of Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting during a 29 January Bet On – Brasil event. He said the regulated market’s first year followed work in 2024 that processed more than 300 licence applications and outlined continued priorities including compliance, consumer protection and action against illegal gambling.
Régis Dudena formalised his departure as head of Brazil’s SPA betting regulator at the Bet On – Brasil event on 29 January, as he prepared to move to the Secretariat of Economic Reforms.
Dudena identified compliance by authorised companies and action against illegal gambling as priorities. Brazil would rank among the world’s leaders on channelisation if it reached a rate of 60% to 70% towards the regulated market, he said.
The regulatory framework followed the approval of Law 14.790 in December 2023 and work on the rules during 2024. More than 300 licence applications were submitted and examined within the SPA’s deadlines. Dudena said it took approximately six months to regulate a market that had operated for years without effective state supervision.
Dudena said 2025 was the first year in which the effects of regulation began to be felt. The state now knows who is authorised to operate and who their partners and directors are, and has better tools to protect people and combat fraud and money laundering. The SPA’s central role is to protect bettors and the public’s economic interests, rather than collect revenue, which is the responsibility of Brazil’s federal revenue service.
Dudena pointed to growing use of technology and partnerships with financial institutions to identify irregular flows and dismantle illegal operations. He attributed progress to cooperation with the Federal Police, the justice and health ministries, Anatel, the private sector and civil society.