Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Google Blocks Ads from Unregistered Betting Companies

Brazil.- October 1, 2024. www.zonadeazar.com – Google announced that starting this Monday, the 30th, it will limit advertising for virtual games linked to online betting companies that have not registered with the Ministry of Finance.

The measure was reported in the new update to Google’s Gambling Policy for Google Ads, which was published on the website of the U.S. tech giant.

Following the change, Google states that companies must request and obtain the necessary certification if they wish to advertise on the platform. This decision adds to the ordinance issued last week, which decreed that unregistered betting companies will be suspended starting October 1.

“To run ads for online sports betting or online gambling services after September 30, 2024, advertisers must demonstrate that they have applied for authorization from the Ministry of Finance of Brazil to operate these services,” the company announced.

The government created a “working group” on online betting

Recently, the government has formed a working group on online betting. Senator Alessandro Vieira (MDB-SE) introduced Bill (PL 3.718/2024) aimed at limiting or prohibiting online betting by vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with outstanding debts or those enrolled in the Federal Government’s Unified Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico).

Last Friday, the 27th, the Ministry of Social Development and Assistance (MDS) announced the creation of a Working Group to investigate the use of the Bolsa Família card for online betting. The goal is to ensure that the resources from this program are used appropriately and not for gambling.

Additionally, on Monday the 30th, the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, stated in an interview with CBN that around 600 unregistered betting companies will be removed from the country. The minister also recommended that bettors withdraw their funds from websites while they are still operational.

“There are around 500 or 600 betting sites that will be taken offline in the coming days because Anatel will block access. If you have money on these betting sites, request a refund now,” said Fernando Haddad.

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com