The Official Gazette of the Union published, on August 6, 2026, an order from the Department of Labor Relations of the Ministry of Labor and Employment granting union registration to the Union of Sports Betting and Online Gaming Operators of the State of São Paulo (SINDIBETS-SP).
The decision marks the beginning of a new phase in union organization within the fixed-odds betting sector and has potential labor implications for companies operating in this segment, particularly with regard to union classification, collective bargaining, and the management of occupational health risks.
What changes when you register with a union?
SINDIBETS-SP is an employers’ association and, according to its registration, represents the economic sector of fixed-odds betting operators in the State of São Paulo.
The establishment of an employers’ association, however, does not mean that the employees of these companies automatically become part of a specific occupational category within the sector.
In the absence of a specific trade union, the classification of employees should continue to be determined based on the predominant economic activity and the characteristics of each establishment and position, in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreements.
| UNION | CATEGORY REPRESENTED | TERRITORIAL BASE |
| SINDIBETS-SP | Economic (fixed-odds betting operators) | State of São Paulo |
| Industry-specific union | Unidentified, as of now | – |
Three points to keep in mind
1. Labor Union Framework and Collective Bargaining
Companies in the sector should monitor the effects of the new union registration on their employer representation and, when necessary, review the union classification applicable to the various structures and functions within their operations.
It will also be important to monitor the possible formation of a specific professional union and the outcome of future collective bargaining negotiations.
2. Changes in the industry may alter the landscape of collective bargaining
The registration of the employers’ union creates a dedicated institutional framework to represent operating companies. The possible formation of a specific union for workers could, in the future, add a new layer of complexity to collective bargaining in the sector.
In this context, issues such as minimum wages, working hours, benefits, social security contributions, specific employment rules, and other collectively negotiated conditions may require close monitoring as the market matures.
3. Gambling and Mental Health: A New Area of Focus for Occupational Health
The rapid expansion of gambling also brings with it a social dimension that is already having a direct impact on labor relations. Data tracking social security-related leave due to pathological gambling (gambling disorder) show a significant upward trend in recent years, leading the Ministry of Health to explicitly address the problem as a mental health issue. In July 2026, for example, the Ministry launched a national campaign on preventing the harms of online gambling and providing mental health treatment.
The rise in gambling disorder and its financial and psychological impacts can also affect human resources management in companies across various sectors, including disability leave, health and safety measures, health and financial well-being policies, the handling of sensitive information, and, in certain cases, risks associated with disciplinary or termination decisions.
Key Considerations for Businesses
Given this situation, it is recommended that companies in the sector:
① monitor developments in the sector’s collective representation and review its framework regarding employer and professional unions;
② monitor collective bargaining negotiations that may involve SINDIBETS-SP and any specific professional organization;
✔️ Evaluate your internal procedures for handling situations related to mental health, leave of absence, and return to work;
✔️ Review, where applicable, policies on occupational health, financial well-being, and employee benefits, in accordance with the applicable restrictions on the processing of personal data and health-related data;
✔️ Stay up to date on regulatory and case law developments related to the impact of gambling on labor relations.
The labor law team at Araújo e Policastro Advogados is available to assist your company with this matter.
Authors:
Ana Lúcia Pinke Ribeiro de Paiva – apinke@araujopolicastro.com.br
Marcos Rafael Carneiro – mcarneiro@araujopolicastro.com.br