Brazil Sport Commission to analyse bill banning betting ads
On March 12, the Sports Commission (CEsp) of Brazil will convene to deliberate on a pivotal bill aimed at prohibiting fixed-odds betting advertising within the nation.
This legislative proposal, sponsored by Senator Styvenson Valentim, seeks to amend Article 33 of Law No. 13,756/2018, which oversees the regulation of fixed-odds sports betting in Brazil. The amendment would institute a ban on all forms of gambling advertising across various channels and media platforms.
Senator Valentim has positioned the proposed ban on gambling advertisements as a necessary step to combat perceived violations of marketing restrictions by gaming companies, particularly those targeting younger individuals.
“This proposal is justified by the dramatic transformation in the demographics of bettors, which now predominantly includes the youth, who can place bets at any time with merely a click, thereby fuelling impulsive behaviors,” said Valentim.
The CEsp meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 AM local time on Wednesday, following which the proposal will transition to the Communication and Digital Law Commission (CCDD) for further consideration regarding its legislative viability.
Brazil has already initiated significant measures aimed at curbing advertising practices in the gaming sector.
On December 6, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets introduced immediate advertising restrictions that were intended to be effective from the official launch of the legal market on January 1, 2025. These restrictions include prohibiting advertisements aimed at children and adolescents, as well as those disseminated through channels where minors constitute a significant portion of the audience.
Furthermore, all gambling advertisements are mandated to feature an ’18+’ symbol or an accompanying message reading “prohibited for individuals under 18.”
Support from Senator Portinho
Senator Carlos Portinho, an advocate for stricter regulations, has publicly endorsed Valentim’s initiative. In a prior statement from December, Portinho expressed that the “bill deserves to advance through the legislative process.”
Portinho has proposed several amendments to the bill, including a ban on radio advertisements from 10 PM to 6 AM and a total prohibition on marketing in both printed and electronic media throughout Brazil.
Additionally, his amendments advocate for the exclusion of athletes and public figures from promotional campaigns, as well as a ban on text messages or mobile notifications related to gambling promotions.
“The pervasive nature of advertising in this industry fosters a misleading belief that financial independence can be achieved through luck, when, in fact, it often exacerbates the financial challenges faced by vulnerable populations,” Portinho articulated.
As Brazil navigates the complex crossroads of regulating a burgeoning gambling market, the implications of such measures signify a critical juncture in protecting consumers and ensuring responsible marketing practices within the industry. Stakeholders and lawmakers alike are poised to assess the potential impacts of these evolving legislative efforts.
