Bill Banning Gambling Advertisements in Brazil: Protecting Youth from Impulsive Behavior

March 12, 2025 The Brazilian Sports Commission will consider a bill that could radically change gambling advertising in the country. According to the proposal, authored by Senator Stevenson Valentim, gambling advertisements will be banned across all channels and formats. This initiative aims to protect youth and prevent the risks of impulsive behavior associated with gambling.

Reasons for the Gambling Advertisement Ban

The bill proposes amendments to Article 33 of Law No. 13.756/2018, which regulates fixed-odds betting in Brazil. Valentim explains the necessity of the ban, stating that companies offering gambling often neglect restrictions on advertising targeted at a youth audience.

“Today, young people have constant access to gambling and can place bets at any time, without any barriers to impulsive behavior,” said Senator Valentim. This behavior is the reason for stronger measures aimed at limiting advertising.

Steps Taken So Far

Brazil has already started taking steps to limit gambling advertisements. In December 2024, the regulator, the Secretariat for Lotteries and Betting, implemented several measures that were set to take effect from January 1, 2025. In particular, a ban was introduced on advertising targeting children and teenagers, as well as advertising through channels where the audience is predominantly minors.

Additionally, all advertising materials are now required to include the “18+” symbol or a warning that says “Not for persons under 18 years old.”

Support for the Bill from Other Senators

Valentim’s bill has received support from other members of the Brazilian parliament, including Senator Carlos Portinho. Portinho had previously tried to exclude the gambling industry from current betting laws but was unsuccessful. However, he expressed support for Valentim’s new proposal, believing that this bill should be passed.

“Gambling advertisements mislead the audience, making them believe that luck can lead to financial independence, when in reality, it only worsens poverty among the most vulnerable populations,” said Senator Portinho.

Changes to the Bill

Portinho also proposed a number of changes to the bill. One of them is the ban on gambling advertisements on the radio from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, as well as a complete ban on advertising in Brazil’s print and electronic media. Additionally, it is proposed to prohibit the use of athletes and other public figures in gambling advertisements and to ban the sending of SMS and mobile notifications promoting gambling.

Next Steps

After discussion in the Sports Commission, the bill will be forwarded to the Communications and Digital Law Commission (CCDD) for further consideration. If the bill is passed, it will be an important step in the fight against advertising targeting youth and will help minimize the risks associated with gambling.

Conclusion

By banning gambling advertisements, Brazil aims to protect its citizens, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of gambling and excessive advertising that may lead to impulsive betting and financial losses. Valentim’s bill is an important step in this direction, and its passage could significantly change the gambling market in the country.