Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Alerj Votes on Bill Banning BET Advertising at Events in Rio

Brazil.- March 20, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com Today, in first discussion, Alerj will vote on bill 3591/2024, which bans advertising and sponsorship by betting companies – known as BETs – in sporting activities within the state of Rio de Janeiro.

The bill, authored by deputy Rodrigo Amorim (União) and already approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee, could force the 20 clubs in the Brazilian A Series to change their uniforms for matches played in the state of Rio.

All of the Serie A clubs are sponsored by betting companies, 90% of them with the sports betting companies in the position of master sponsor, prominently displayed in the centre of the uniform. Only Bragantino and Mirassol, both from São Paulo, don’t display the brands – but they are sponsored by two BETs.

There are alarming statistics about the excessive use of BETs in Brazil,’ says Amorim. ‘It’s already known that more than 80 per cent of Brazilians who use these sites are in debt. It is estimated that BETs have caused an annual loss of R$117 billion to the country’s commercial establishments, due to the redirection of household spending to betting. In other words: we need to try to balance this out, to contain this absurd wave of addiction,’ he explains. He continues: ‘Poor families are giving up spending on food to gamble.’

Under the bill, which has already been approved by the CCJ, sponsorship and advertising by betting or similar companies and sites, in any form, in all sporting activities is banned in Rio. The ban extends to advertising on shirts, caps, visors and other similar items, sports arenas and equipment, as well as radio, television or online broadcasts.

It will also be forbidden in Rio to use the image of athletes in marketing, as well as the inclusion of promotional gifts, toys or collectible items associated with sports betting. In the event of non-compliance with the restrictions set out in the preceding articles, the offender will be subject to penalties of suspension of advertising and a fine.

Edited by @pererarte   www.zonadeazar.com