The Senate Sports Committee (CEsp) will only return to analyzing two proposals that limit advertising by sportsbooks in Brazil next week. The projects were on the agenda for the meeting on Wednesday (21), but their vote was postponed after a request for review by Senator Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO).
One of them is the bill that restricts the times at which these advertisements can be broadcast (PL 2.985/2023). The original text, by Senator Styvenson Valentim (PSDB-RN), prohibited any communication action that promoted the sports betting lottery. However, Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), in his substitute bill, authorized the broadcasting between 10 pm and 6 am, on radio and television.
Advertising is also permitted for a short period before and after live sports matches or events. According to the senator, this measure aims to reduce the exposure of children and adolescents. Despite this, in the digital environment, advertising on social networks and other platforms will only be permitted for authenticated users who are demonstrably over 18 years of age.
Portinho’s text also prohibits the use of images of athletes who are active in advertising material, as well as artists, communicators, influencers, authorities or public figures of notable recognition. It also prohibits the participation of any person, animations and visual elements aimed at children and young people.
Within the proposal to reduce exposure to children and young people, the rapporteur’s text provides for a single exception. This concerns the use of the image of former athletes who have left the sport for at least five years. He explained that he decided to accept a suggestion made by Senator Romário (PL-RJ), who commented on the financial difficulties of many of these professionals.
Request for review aims to analyze positioning towards clubs and communications companies
Senator Jorge Kajuru requested to review the report because he believes that, although he believes that the report “does not harm” the actors involved, he still needs to seek some understanding with the rapporteur. According to Kajuru, it is necessary to consider the financial situation of the clubs and broadcasters, which, according to him, need this type of financing.
“Everyone knows that I, Kajuru, defend my profession, which is the press, for which I have lived and worked for 50 years on national television, and also because I am concerned about the financial situation of many Brazilian teams. But know that Senator Portinho’s report only requires a discussion between us, but we will not disagree on anything. His report does not harm anyone, it is not harmful to any profession or class,” he said.
Portinho stressed that, even though he is against allowing any type of advertising for betting houses, he understands that the activity is permitted by the Federal Government and, therefore, must follow its regulations. The senator said he understands that the vote is a collective construction and welcomed Senator Kajuru’s initiative in seeking to contribute to the final text.
“Betting, against my vote and that of other colleagues, is a legal activity that is now regulated in the country. So I don’t think it’s time to simply obstruct or restrict any advertising, but to discipline (…) What I wanted here was to regulate this advertising,” said Portinho.
Leila Barros (PDT-DF), president of CEsp, said that Portinho’s substitute valued common sense and that it was a good alternative for the collective good.
“It is worth reflecting and those who are complaining should get out of their bubble and start seeing the world from another perspective and, above all, from a collective perspective. It is not just social,” he highlighted.
Restrictions on advertising by bookmakers in other environments
According to the amendment, during the broadcasts of live sporting events, the display of dynamic odds or probabilities updated in real time will not be permitted. According to Portinho, the measure aims to prevent the encouragement of impulsive bets during the unfolding of matches.
Programs in any type of media that encourage or teach the practice of online gambling will also be prohibited. He cited as an example tutorials, which are now easily found on YouTube.
The new text also prohibits messages that present betting as a form of investment, an opportunity for extra income or a guarantee of financial return, “seeking to prevent advertising that distorts the nature of gambling and that could lead people to undue financial risks”.
Just like on cigarette packs, the proposal will require a clear and conspicuous warning about the risks of gambling. “In this case, the senator requires the text to state that the message is: “gambling causes addiction and harm to you and your family.” The bill also defines specific requirements for size and visibility for different media.
According to the text, static or electronic advertising of betting houses in arenas and stadiums is also prohibited. Exceptions are for companies that hold, through sponsorship, the naming rights of the competition, stadiums, squares and sports arenas or that are sponsors of participating teams.
Sponsorship of sports teams will be permitted, with the placement of brands on uniforms and equipment, but advertising on the uniforms of athletes under the age of 18 will be prohibited. However, the regulations themselves already make this practice unfeasible in the country. Sponsorship of sports, news or cultural TV programs will also be permitted.