Senator seeks betting ban amid fears for Brazilian football

Brazilian Senator Eduardo Girão has raised alarm over the detrimental impact of sports betting on the nation’s football industry, advocating for a repeal of existing betting laws.

During a recent Senate plenary session, Girão urged for a comprehensive ban on betting, expressing concerns regarding the influence of the regulated online betting sector, which launched in Brazil on January 1, 2023. He alluded to a troubling rise in gambling addiction and family financial distress as direct consequences of these operations.

As discussions surrounding the legalization of land-based betting intensify, Girão has reiterated his commitment to eradicating the betting industry entirely. He previously introduced a bill near the end of 2024 aimed at repealing existing betting legislation, but the measure is still awaiting a designated rapporteur.

“We must put an end to this humanitarian tragedy that is gambling,” Girão stated emphatically. “While a select few profit immensely, the losses are borne by millions. It is time to stop this. I have a bill drafted to reinstate a ban on sports betting.”

Girão cited ongoing damage to the social fabric, declaring, “The evidence is clear. Yet, some individuals display a shocking lack of accountability towards the Brazilian populace, disregarding our welfare in favor of promoting casinos and bingo halls in upcoming votes.”

An established opponent of gambling in Brazil, Girão faced defeat earlier this year in his bid for the Senate presidency, losing to Davi Alcolumbre, a pro-betting advocate.

In addition to his ban on sports betting, Girão has authored PL 3,405/2023, which seeks to prohibit the use of celebrity endorsements in sports betting advertising. This initiative, along with PL 2,985/2023, which would restrict the time frames during which betting advertisements may be aired, is scheduled for a vote this Wednesday.

If approved by the Sports Commission, these bills will be forwarded to the Communication and Digital Law Commission for final consideration, determining their potential enactment into law.

Girão contends that the football industry’s reliance on sponsorships from betting entities is detrimental to the sport’s integrity. He has proposed the establishment of a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) to investigate alleged malfeasance within the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).

Senator Soraya Thronicke, chair of the CPI focused on betting, has previously noted significant challenges in probing the influence of large betting companies that sponsor Brazilian sporting events, particularly the CBF.