The Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) is scheduled to vote, this Thursday (20), in its first discussion, bill 3591/2024. This project proposes the prohibition of advertising and sponsorship of betting companies, known as bets, in sporting events held within the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Authored by Congressman Rodrigo Amorim (União), the bill has already been approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ). If approved, the bill could significantly impact the 20 clubs in the Brazilian Championship Series A, forcing them to change their uniforms for matches played in the state of Rio.
Betting companies currently sponsor all Serie A clubs, with 90% of these clubs featuring these brands as main sponsors in the center of their kits. Only Bragantino and Mirassol, both from São Paulo, do not feature these brands, although they receive sponsorship from betting companies.
Justification of the author of the proposal
Rodrigo Amorim expressed concern about the impact of betting companies on society. “There are alarming statistics about the excessive use of betting in Brazil.”
Furthermore, Amorim estimated that “betting has caused an annual loss of R$117 billion to commercial establishments in the country, due to the redirection of family spending towards betting. In other words, we need to try to balance this, to contain this absurd wave of addiction.”
The bill
According to the PL already approved by the CCJ, sponsorship and advertising by betting companies and websites will be prohibited in all sporting activities in Rio de Janeiro, under any modality.
This ban extends to advertising on shirts, caps, visors and other similar items. It also prohibits advertising in sports arenas and equipment, as well as on radio, television or online broadcasts.
Furthermore, the bill also prohibits the use of athletes’ images in the marketing of bets and the inclusion of promotional gifts, toys or collectible items associated with sports betting. In case of non-compliance, the offender will be subject to suspension of advertising and a fine.
