Brazil's Senate to debate bill banning fixed-odds betting ads

On Wednesday, March 12, Brazil's Senate Sports Committee (CEsp) will discuss Bill 2985/2023, which aims to prohibit the dissemination of advertising and marketing for fixed-odds betting lotteries. The proposal, authored by Senator Styvenson Valentim (PSDB-RN), seeks to address concerns over the potential harms of gambling addiction, particularly among young people.

The bill’s justification draws parallels to Law No. 12,546/2011, which banned cigarette advertising nationwide to protect public health. Senator Valentim argues that the rise in sports betting, fueled by aggressive marketing, poses risks to mental health and financial stability, especially for vulnerable populations.

The rapporteur, Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), has proposed amendments to the bill, introducing specific restrictions on betting advertisements. These include:

• Limiting ads on radio and television to the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

• Prohibiting advertisements in printed or electronic media, including online platforms.

• Banning the use of athletes, artists, influencers, or public figures in promotional content.

• Restricting text messages, notifications, or social media ads related to betting.

• Prohibiting advertising in stadiums, arenas, and public events, except for uniform sponsorships that exclude athletes under 18.

Senator Portinho emphasized that the bill aims to curb the normalization of gambling, particularly among young people, who are increasingly exposed to betting platforms.

After review by the Sports Committee, the bill will proceed to the Communication and Digital Law Committee (CCDD) for final consideration. The meeting will also address Bill 3405/2023, authored by Senator Eduardo Girão (NOVO-CE), which similarly seeks to restrict betting advertising.

The debate highlights the growing tension between the economic interests of the betting industry and the need to protect vulnerable audiences from the potential harms of gambling addiction.