The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gambling (IBJR) released a statement expressing concern about the approval of bill 2,985/2023 by the Senate. Furthermore, the document provides for several limitations on advertising by sportsbooks. Among them, it is worth mentioning the prohibition of influencers and athletes in advertisements. It also establishes time restrictions on digital platforms, TV, streaming and radio.
IBJR’s positioning
The IBJR stated: “The proposal weakens communication between legalized betting companies and bettors, compromising the sustainability of a regulated sector committed to responsible gaming.
These restrictions expose bettors even more to the illegal market, which already represents about half of the market, offering no guarantees, no control and no return for society.” The statement was shared on the institution’s LinkedIn.
According to the organization, legalized advertisements play an important educational role. Therefore, they help citizens distinguish regulated platforms from irregular ones. The entity highlighted that the market already has specific standards for advertising.
The IBJR stated: “Law 14,790/23, Ordinance No. 1,231/24 of the SPA and Annex X of the CONAR Code, prepared with the active contribution of the IBJR, establish clear criteria for sector communication, with a focus on ethics and the protection of vulnerable audiences.”
PL 2.985/2023
Senator Styvenson Valentim (PSDB-RN) initially proposed a complete ban on virtual betting advertisements. However, Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ) drafted a replacement text with more lenient rules.
This version was approved by the Sports Committee. Soon after, the Senate plenary also approved it on Wednesday, May 28.
Portinho explained: “The proposal is to find a way not to completely ban advertising for sports betting, but to establish regulations capable of regulating advertising, greatly reducing its reach to young people and children, who are not or should not be the target audience for bets, avoiding the ambush marketing present especially in stadiums and sports arenas, but on the other hand valuing advertising properties and sponsorship.”
The speech took place during the presentation of the report, as recorded by the Senate Agency.
The project is now being analyzed by the Chamber of Deputies.
