About this app
How to play Royal Masquerade
The decision to use a provisional measure means the restrictions can take effect immediately, less than a month before the elections. This is the clearest indication yet that the sector is being used for electoral purposes to try and secure Lula’s re-election.
The drafting of the text is reportedly in the hands of the Civil House, with some believing that it serves an electoral purpose, meaning Lula potentially riding the wave of criticism against the sector.
The Brazil betting industry has faced increasing scrutiny of late over claims that families are falling into debt because of gambling.
About Royal Masquerade
Madsen knows from experience how difficult it can be to escape gambling when access remains readily available.
“I’m trying to address every stage: prevention, support for people who are already struggling, and then action against the illegal sites.”
He does not believe illegal gambling can simply be eliminated. But he believes it can be made harder to operate. That may be the more realistic role for companies such as Trace2Trace as the illegal market evolves: not replacing regulators or enforcement agencies, but providing the intelligence needed to see beyond the individual URL. For Madsen, the motivation remains deeply personal: “I know very well what gambling addiction can do to people.”
About Royal Masquerade
Moshupa/Manyana MP Karabo Gare opposed the lower age limit during parliamentary debate. “When a person is still 18, he or she cannot make informed decisions, hence they end up being addicted to the game,” he said.
Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga also argued that parliament should retain the current minimum age of 21, saying younger adults remained vulnerable to early exposure to gambling.
In January, Acting Gambling Authority CEO Moruntshi Kemorwale said reported problem gambling had declined from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025. It was a change he attributed in part to the regulator’s National Responsible Gambling Programme and nationwide education and outreach.