New Bill in Brazil: Betting Age Could Be Raised to 21
Senator Humberto Costa has introduced Bill PL 3754/2025, which seeks to raise the minimum age for fixed-odds betting from 18 to 21 and cap monthly betting expenditures at the equivalent of one minimum wage.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed legislation amends existing rules under Law No. 14,790 of December 29, 2023, which governs fixed-odds betting operations. The bill outlines the following major changes:
Higher Minimum Age Requirement
Under the bill, only individuals aged 21 and older would be allowed to participate in betting activities. This age restriction would also apply to advertising — marketing campaigns must not target those under 21.
Spending Limits
The proposal introduces a monthly betting cap of one minimum wage per player. The Ministry of Finance would also be authorized to establish:
- daily betting limits,
- weekly betting limits,
- mechanisms to monitor and prevent gambling addiction.
Advertising and Sponsorship Restrictions
Fixed-odds betting operators would face tighter regulations, including bans on:
- broadcast and digital advertising between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.,
- sponsorship of sports, cultural, or artistic events held in public spaces,
- any promotional content aimed at audiences under 21.
Regulatory Oversight and Timeline
If passed, the bill would grant the Ministry of Finance responsibility for overseeing and enforcing these measures. The ministry would be empowered to:
- develop regulatory guidelines,
- enforce spending limits,
- monitor the behavioral impact of betting on users.
The Brazilian Senate is expected to review the bill in the second half of 2025.
Purpose of the Legislation
The main objective of the bill is to curb problem gambling and promote greater accountability within the betting industry.
The restrictions aim to protect younger populations and reduce the impact of aggressive advertising tactics.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Parameter | Before | After (if approved) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum betting age | 18 years | 21 years |
| Monthly betting limit | Not defined | One minimum wage |
| Media advertising | No restrictions | Banned from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Event sponsorship | Allowed | Prohibited |
Conclusion
Bill PL 3754/2025 represents a significant step toward stricter oversight of the betting industry and reduced youth engagement.
If enacted, it would mark a move toward stronger regulation and more proactive measures to prevent gambling-related harm.