Franca Approves Municipal Policy on Online Betting Risk Prevention

Brazil.- 18 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Municipal Council of Franca, in the state of São Paulo, has approved a public policy focused on education, prevention and awareness of risks associated with fixed-odds betting, electronic gambling and online games.

The initiative is educational and preventive in nature and does not change the commercial regulation of betting, which remains a federal responsibility.

Bill No. 102/2026

The measure was introduced through Ordinary Bill No. 102/2026 by councillor Marcelo Tidy.

It establishes a Municipal Policy for Education, Prevention and Awareness of the Risks of Fixed-Odds Betting, Electronic Gambling and Online Games.

No Betting Ban

The proposal expressly states that it is not intended to prohibit or regulate the commercial operation of betting.

Municipal activity will instead focus on areas within local competence, including:

  • Education.
  • Health.
  • Social assistance.
  • Child protection.
  • Financial education.
  • Consumer protection.

Preventing Gambling-Related Harm

A central objective is to prevent problematic gambling behaviour.

The policy allows educational work around:

  • Gambling disorder.
  • Risk behaviours.
  • Behavioural dependency.
  • Prevention mechanisms.
  • Support and treatment services.

Debt and Over-Indebtedness

Financial harm is another core area.

The municipality may organise initiatives focused on:

  • Responsible use of income.
  • Family financial planning.
  • Conscious consumption.
  • Debt prevention.
  • Prevention of over-indebtedness.

Mental Health Impact

The policy also aims to improve public understanding of the potential mental-health consequences associated with excessive gambling.

Campaigns may address effects on family, social, educational and professional relationships.

Protection of Children and Teenagers

The bill gives particular attention to minors.

Potential subjects include:

  • The legal prohibition on minors participating in betting.
  • Exposure to gambling-related content.
  • Safer internet use.
  • Digital education.
  • Prevention in schools.

Other Vulnerable Groups

The framework also allows targeted awareness measures for:

  • Older people.
  • Vulnerable individuals.
  • Families.
  • School communities.

Content can therefore be adapted to different groups and risk profiles.

Education Campaigns and Activities

Franca may develop a broad range of preventive initiatives, including:

  • Public-awareness campaigns.
  • Lectures.
  • Seminars.
  • Forums.
  • Debates.
  • Workshops.
  • Discussion groups.
  • Videos.
  • Educational guides and materials.

Activities in Schools

Educational initiatives may also be carried out within schools, subject to education guidelines and pedagogical autonomy.

Families and teachers can also be included in dedicated guidance programmes.

Municipal Awareness Week

The legislation creates a Municipal Awareness Week on the Risks of Online Betting.

It is expected to take place annually, preferably during the first week of September.

Awareness Week Programme

Activities may include:

  • Educational talks.
  • Financial-education campaigns.
  • Debt-prevention initiatives.
  • Expert debates.
  • Publication of research and statistics.
  • Family activities.
  • Mental-health awareness.
  • Online protection for children and teenagers.

Fraud and Illegal Platforms

The municipal policy also covers awareness of risks linked to:

  • Scams.
  • Digital fraud.
  • Illegal gambling platforms.
  • Criminal activity online.

This extends the programme beyond gambling behaviour into wider digital safety.

Institutional Co-operation

Franca may establish partnerships with:

  • Universities.
  • Schools and education institutions.
  • Public prosecutors.
  • Public defenders.
  • Courts.
  • Consumer-protection bodies.
  • Civil-society organisations.
  • Health and education professionals.

Evidence-Based Communication

The bill provides that public information should use clear, accessible language and rely on evidence, official sources or technically recognised references.

It also establishes that people experiencing gambling-related problems should not be stigmatised or discriminated against.

Municipal Implementation

Measures can be integrated into existing programmes involving health, education, social assistance, sport, culture, youth and consumer protection.

Implementation will depend on the municipality’s administrative, financial and budgetary capacity.

Industry Context

The approval reflects a broader trend among Brazilian municipalities seeking to address the social consequences of online betting without intervening directly in federal commercial regulation.

Franca has opted for a model centred on education, prevention and public guidance.

Next Steps and Impact

Following legislative approval, the policy may be further regulated by the municipal executive.

The new Awareness Week and permanent educational initiatives create a framework for Franca to incorporate gambling-harm prevention, financial education and digital protection into local public policy.

Betting regulation itself remains at federal level, while the municipality focuses on preventive and social measures.

Editó: @fonta

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