Brazil Moves to Ban Fixed-Odds Betting Advertising

On Wednesday, 12 March, the Sports Commission (CEsp) will debate a proposed bill seeking to ban fixed-odds betting advertising in Brazil.

The bill, introduced by Senator Styvenson Valentim, aims to amend Article 33 of Law No. 13,756/2018, which established regulations for fixed-odds sports betting in the country. If passed, the amendment would prohibit gambling advertisements across all media platforms.

Valentim justifies the proposal by arguing that gambling operators are failing to adhere to marketing restrictions, particularly when it comes to younger audiences.

“This proposal is justified in view of the sudden change in the profile of bettors, which is now mostly made up of young people, who have at their disposal, 24 hours a day, with just one click, the possibility of placing bets without any barrier to impulsive behaviour,” Valentim said.

The CEsp will review the bill in a meeting scheduled for 10:30 am local time on Wednesday. If approved, the proposal will then move to the Communication and Digital Law Commission (CCDD) for further consideration.

Brazil’s Stricter Approach to Betting Ads

Brazil has already begun tightening restrictions on gambling advertisements.

On 6 December, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets immediately enforced several advertising measures initially set to take effect from the legal market launch on 1 January 2025. These included banning adverts targeted at children or teenagers and restricting ads on platforms where minors form the majority of the audience. Additionally, all betting ads must now display an ‘18+’ symbol or include a warning stating: “Prohibited for people under 18.”

Bill Gains Support from Senator Portinho

Senator Carlos Portinho, who previously attempted to exclude iGaming from Brazil’s betting laws, has voiced his support for Valentim’s proposal. In December, he said the “bill deserved to prosper.”

Portinho has introduced several amendments, including a ban on betting advertisements on radio between 10 pm and 6 am, as well as a complete prohibition on gambling marketing in both print and digital media.

Further amendments include banning the use of athletes and public figures in gambling ads and prohibiting the promotion of betting through text messages or mobile notifications.

“The rampant advertising in this sector leads the audience to believe that, with a stroke of luck, they will achieve financial independence, when reality has shown the even more pronounced impoverishment of the most economically vulnerable segments of the population,” Portinho stated.