Kaizen Gaming Guarantees Brazilian Jobs As It Reaffirms Commitment To Market

Kaizen Gaming has reaffirmed its commitment to Brazil and guaranteed the jobs of its local employees while the country's controversial online gambling ban remains under consideration by Congress.

The parent company of Betano, one of Brazil's leading betting brands, confirmed that employees would retain their positions until the legislative process surrounding President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's provisional measure has concluded. The measure, introduced on 25 September, forced licensed online gambling operators to suspend their activities across the country.

In a statement published on LinkedIn, Kaizen criticised the decision to prohibit regulated betting, warning that the restrictions could undermine consumer protections, threaten employment and encourage customers to migrate towards unlicensed gambling platforms.

Despite the disruption, the company insisted that it remains committed to Brazil and intends to maintain its presence in the market over the longer term.

Kaizen Pledges To Protect Brazilian Employees

Kaizen's announcement follows growing concerns about the employment consequences of Brazil's sudden gambling restrictions, which have affected operators and businesses providing services to the wider industry.

The company highlighted the impact extending beyond licensed bookmakers, including businesses operating in technology, telecommunications, media, education and professional services. It also pointed to the potential consequences for Brazil's sporting economy, which has developed commercial relationships with betting operators.

“Since Brazil’s betting ban was announced on September 25, there have been several posts about the people who have lost their jobs,” Kaizen stated.“The effect reaches well beyond betting companies, to small and medium businesses in technology, telecommunications, media, services and education, and to the wider sports economy, affecting thousands of people.”

Addressing its Brazilian workforce directly, the company confirmed that employment would be protected until Congress reaches a decision on whether to approve the provisional measure.

“To our colleagues in Brazil: we have guaranteed that your jobs are safe until the end of the process before the National Congress of Brazil for the validation or not of the Provisional Measure.”

Kaizen also confirmed that it would continue complying with the country's legal requirements and honour existing social investment commitments throughout the period of uncertainty.

Betano Warns Of Illegal Gambling Growth

The operator's concerns centre on the possibility that prohibiting licensed gambling could strengthen Brazil's unregulated market rather than eliminate consumer demand.

Kaizen argued that the regulated framework, introduced less than two years ago, had established consumer safeguards while generating tax revenue supporting public services, including healthcare, tourism and public security.

“A ban doesn’t make demand disappear, as international experience has shown. It risks pushing bettors back to illegal operators, with no protections and no contribution to the country,” the company warned.

Industry concerns have been reinforced by reports of increased activity among unlicensed operators following the September restrictions. SBC Noticias Brasil reported that the number of illegal iGaming operators identified increased from 331 to 575 between 25 and 26 September, although the figures do not establish how many consumers subsequently migrated to those platforms.

The disruption is particularly significant for Betano, which held a reported 26% share of accumulated brand interest in Brazil according to the Blask Index. The metric measures brand visibility and user interest rather than operator revenue or market share.

Kaizen Remains Hopeful Of Regulatory Reversal

Brazil's provisional measure has not yet received final congressional approval, leaving open the possibility that the restrictions could be amended, rejected or allowed to expire. Legal challenges could also affect the outcome, with industry stakeholders continuing to contest the government's decision.

Allwyn, which holds a 36.75% stake in Kaizen Gaming, previously confirmed that Betano was evaluating ways to mitigate the impact of the restrictions and preparing potential legal action to protect its rights under its five-year Brazilian operating licence.

Kaizen has now publicly expressed its hope that the country will preserve the progress made through regulation rather than permanently prohibit the sector.

“The measure is not final. We believe in the rule of law, in Brazil’s institutions and in dialogue, and we hope the country builds on the progress it has made rather than loses it,” the company stated.It concluded by reiterating its commitment to responsible regulation rather than prohibition, declaring: “Betting carries real risks. Prohibition is not protection. Rules, oversight and education are.”

Although Kaizen operates across approximately 20 markets, Brazil remains an important part of its international business. The company has indicated that it intends to retain its workforce and commercial presence while awaiting a final decision on the future of regulated online gambling in the country.