Brazil: Senator Proposes Ban on Athletes and Celebrities in Betting Advertisements

Brazil, May 6, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com – Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), rapporteur of the bill regulating betting advertising in the Sports Committee, has proposed banning current athletes, celebrities, and influencers from participating in promotional campaigns for betting platforms. Only retired athletes who have been out of professional sports for several years would be allowed to appear in ads.

Portinho’s report is expected to be presented in May. The bill would also require all betting ads to display the operator’s license number clearly and legibly. The main goal is to deter unlicensed operators and combat the illegal gambling market outside the Ministry of Finance’s regulations.

As with other risk-related sectors, betting ads would need to include mandatory warnings. Portinho stated:

“Gambling can lead to addiction and financial harm for the player and their family.”

Broadcasting Restrictions and Youth Protection
Betting advertisements on television would only be allowed between 9 PM and 6 AM. Outside these hours, only sports broadcasts would be permitted to show betting ads—limited to five minutes before and after matches.

“The logic is to prevent these ads from reaching children and teenagers,” Portinho explained.

The proposal does not impose restrictions on sponsorships of teams, leagues, or audiovisual content.

Understanding Bill 2985/2023
Bill 2985/2023, authored by Senator Styvenson Valentim, proposes changes to Law No. 13.756/2018 and aims to prohibit fixed-odds betting advertising. The primary objective is to reduce exposure, particularly among minors and vulnerable audiences.
Senator Carlos Portinho has already submitted a favorable report, including suggestions and one amendment. The bill remains under discussion in the Sports Committee following public hearings.

Editor: @_fonta – www.zonadeazar.com