Flamengo calls for preservation of sports betting tax revenue for sport

Flamengo is closely monitoring changes to PEC 18, known as the Security PEC, during its passage through Brazil's Chamber of Deputies. The amendment has redirected tax revenue from betting operators (BETs), removing resources previously allocated to sport. The change was introduced late in the Chamber's deliberation process, ahead of July's parliamentary recess. Now, as discussions resume, the matter demands renewed attention. Flamengo believes it is essential to clarify its position: the club supports stronger public security funding and increased resource allocation to that sector. However, what Flamengo defends is that this should not come at sport's expense. The sports betting market depends entirely on competitions, clubs and matches, and since BET regulation in Brazil, a portion of revenue generated by the activity has been allocated to sport. Removing these resources means cutting a funding stream already embedded in Brazilian sport's ecosystem—one that sustains and develops the sector across the nation. For many years, sports bodies have fought to expand available funding sources. Today, the challenge has become more fundamental: preserving resources already designated for sport, particularly when those resources stem directly from sports activity itself. The PEC will be examined by the Senate's Constitutional and Justice Committee and subsequently put to the full chamber for a vote. Flamengo hopes that throughout this process, a solution can be found. Rapporteur Senator Rogério Carvalho, from the PT party in Sergipe, has been informed of the sports community's concerns and is expected to be receptive to proposals aimed at preventing sport funding cuts. Supporting public security and supporting sport are not incompatible positions. The path forward must be to secure the resources needed for security improvements without weakening an activity that plays a fundamental role in the nation's development. Investing in sport is investing in citizenship. It expands opportunities, promotes education, health, discipline and social bonds, strengthens community ties and offers prospects to children and young people throughout Brazil. Preserving resources allocated to sport is therefore preserving a policy of immense social reach—one that also contributes, at its source, to building a safer society.