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Brazil’s government is making some big changes in how gambling is promoted. The Brazilian Senate has approved a new bill that brings strong rules against gambling advertisements, especially the ones that target people through influencers and live sports. This new law is part of the country’s wider efforts to regulate the gambling industry more seriously.
What Is the New Law About?
The bill is called PL 2.985/2023. Earlier there was a plan in this bill to ban all gambling ads. But now the law has become a little soft. Now the focus is only on fixed-odds betting ads, where people expect to win sure – which is often misleading.
What will this law ban?
- Gambling promotion will not be allowed in live match broadcasts
- Celebrities, influencers, athletes or actors cannot be seen in any gambling ad
- Gambling is supposed to be a solution to money problems
- Gambling is also supposed to be shown as a dream lifestyle or income source
- Promoting gambling using mascots, cartoons, or characters is not allowed
- Sexist, hateful, or offensive content will not be allowed in gambling ads
- Direct or indirect sponsorship to referees is also banned
- Unwanted messages, calls, notifications – everything will be banned
- In short, if a gambling ad misleads someone or unfairly attracts someone, then that ad will not be allowed.
Why was this law made?
Senator Styvenson Valentim had raised this issue. They say that gambling has a very negative impact – such as:
- Waste of money
- Deterioration of mental health
- Even cases of suicide can be seen
They say that young people and vulnerable people are easily affected by gambling ads, so it is important to protect them.
Are all people happy with this law?
No. Groups like IBJR (Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming) and many football clubs do not agree with this law. They say that:
- If gambling ads are banned, people will turn to illegal betting websites
- Sports teams will suffer financial losses – around R$1.6 billion (approx. USD 310 million) per year
- Gambling sponsorship is a major income source for football clubs. If ads are banned, their revenue could drop.
And what was said in the Senate?
Senator Eduardo Girão even said that all types of betting should be banned. They say that:
- Legal online betting has increased addiction among people
- Families are taking loans due to gambling
- This can become a humanitarian tragedy
- This remark came when Brazil made online betting legal – from 1 January 2025.
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