Brazil has officially recognized esports as a sporting activity
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree recognizing esports as a sporting activity. The document, dated October 14, was published in the country’s official gazette, the Diário Oficial da União.
Esports organizations will be able to join the national sports system and participate in government programs for player training, tournament support, and scientific research. However, the decree does not provide for the automatic granting of subsidies or scholarships: funding will depend on the terms of the programs and the budget.
As explained by Cadu Albuquerque, the national director of esports at the Ministry of Sports, the authorities do not intend to interfere in the management of competitions. Publishers and organizers will not be required to change tournament formats, schedules, or business models.
Earlier, on September 25, Lula signed a decree banning online betting in the country. In early October, nearly all licensed betting sites ceased operations in Brazil. The authorities cited the fight against gambling addiction and rising household debt as reasons for the ban.
Photo — ESL.
