Congresswoman Duda Salabert (PDT-MG) proposed a bill to ban online gambling advertisements in Brazil. The proposal was drafted jointly with congresswomen Tabata Amaral (PSB/SP), Camila Jara (PT/MS) and congressman Dorinaldo Malafaia (PDT/AP).
This bill seeks to limit the population’s excessive exposure to gambling advertisements, which currently permeate the media, social networks, sporting events and various sponsorships. However, the proposal allows exceptions for physical locations that are duly regulated. Thus, the text will be processed by the National Congress.
Details on the proposed restriction on betting advertising
The proposal also requires that, even in authorized locations, advertisements include warnings about the risks of gambling addiction and reinforce the prohibition of participation by minors. In addition, a code of conduct for advertising must be developed, focusing on social responsibility.
The congresswoman revealed that this project is just one part of a set of initiatives, called the “BET package”, which aim to regulate the betting industry. Another project along these lines prevents individuals with stakes in betting companies from assuming positions in the federal public administration.
The parliamentarians argue that the population’s increasing exposure to aggressive advertising campaigns has negative impacts. The World Health Organization has already recognized gaming addiction as a serious mental disorder.
Given this scenario, the authors of the project defend the need for legislative actions to protect the mental health of the population. “This seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of gambling activity, without preventing its regulated existence, but establishing clear limits for its promotion and consumption,” argues the project.
Regulation of sports betting and CONAR’s role
The regulation of sports betting and online gaming came into force in January of this year, with specific rules for advertising bets and promoting responsible gaming.
During a meeting of the Bets CPI, Sérgio Pompilio, president of the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (CONAR), highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in regulating betting advertisements. Advertising by digital influencers is a challenge, as CONAR traditionally dealt with companies.
Therefore, CONAR is aligning itself with the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets to adapt to digital communication and the legalization of betting. A “system of consequences” is being built, where problematic cases can lead to fines and suspensions of authorizations.
The rules follow Law 14,790 of 2023 and Ordinance 1,231 of 2024, which prohibit false promises of gains and appeals to children.
