Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Senator Introduces a Bill to Ban Betting Ads

Brazil.- September 17, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com Last Sunday (15), Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP) filed a bill (PL) aimed at banning the advertising of sports betting platforms in Brazil.

In addition to prohibiting the display of advertisements across all media, the bill also forbids individuals from being sponsored. Sporting events, clubs, organizations, and any kind of institution—public or private—will no longer be allowed to receive sponsorships from betting companies.

Currently, 15 out of 20 teams in Serie A have a betting company as their main sponsor. It’s also worth noting that the Brasileirão itself has Betano as the holder of its ‘naming rights.’

The bill addresses the dominance of betting companies in Brazilian football: “Football clubs and media companies are becoming dependent on these sponsorships, but at the cost of the finances and mental health of millions of Brazilians.”

Indirect advertising or product placement in television programs, films, and on the internet are also banned.

Furthermore, the pre-installation of betting and gaming apps on any type of electronic device, from smartphones to computers, is prohibited.

The senator also seeks to ban betting on elections, referendums, and plebiscites at all levels of government.

According to the bill presented by the senator, the request was made due to the “escalation of news involving abuses by betting operators who, still unauthorized and operating without regulations, promoted various types of abusive advertisements.”

“In light of the facts related to the capacity to cause damage to mental health and finances through addiction to sports betting and online gambling, it is necessary to curb the reach of advertisements related to this economic activity,” concludes the bill signed by Rodrigues.

Law No. 14,790, which regulates sports betting in Brazil, was signed into law on December 30, 2023.

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com