Brazil Sports Commission places gambling ad restrictions under scrutiny

As part of a public hearing, Brazil’s Sports Commission (CESp) examined the effectiveness of the nation’s current gambling advertising restrictions following the opening of the market – with two newly proposed bills which would tighten legislation also being discussed.  

Indeed, the hearing was requested in part by Senator Carlos Portinho – supporter of bill 2,985 / 2023 – who stated that the current regulations have not yielded acceptable results with regard to tackling what he categorises as “predatory advertising” in Brazil. Further, he goes on to underline the commonly cited to concern in Brazil and the surrounding LatAm nations of underage gambling – and the over-exposure of online betting to minors.  

The meeting, chaired by CESp President, Senator Leila Barros, first explored the current performance of legislation enacted by the SPA and Ministry of Finance. An enhanced focus was drawn on insufficient warning systems which, in the opinion of some senators, do not provide the necessary alerts as to the dangers – both financial and emotional – associated with compulsive betting. Arguments were also presented that over-regulation could cause harm to consumers – citing that they may be inadvertently driven towards the black market.  

Senator Styvenson Valentim, who authored bill 2,984 / 2023, stated that his original intention was to remove advertising from the betting market entirely, however, the bill’s final iteration does allow for advertising with enhanced restrictions on the advertising content. Valentim also expressed beliefs that celebrity and influencer endorsement should be prohibited.  

Conclusively, it was stated that any extreme solutions to the issue would not be implemented by the Senate – which has yet to confirm its final verdict on the proposed changes.  

Good to know: At present, 6.9% of Brazilians (10.9 million) aged 14 and over fall into a “problematic” category with regard to gambling 

Also this week, it was revealed that Brazil’s Central Bank – also via the senate – requested additional powers to combat illegal online gambling operators in the nation.

Earlier in the year, Brazil’s SPA also requested that all its licenced operators submit their respective anti-money laundering and terrorist financing prevention policies for review.  

Will Underwood

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