The bill (PL), approved last Wednesday (28), in the Senate, which imposes restrictions on advertising by betting houses, worries the sector and football clubs. According to the PL, only sportsbooks that sponsor teams will be able to display their brands on advertising boards in stadiums.
Furthermore, it prohibits the use of images of athletes, artists and influencers in advertising. On Wednesday, before the approval, clubs in the Brazilian Football League (Libra) released a statement.
In it, the teams spoke of a “risk of financial collapse” as a consequence of the project. The bill’s rapporteur, Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), responded to the statement by stating that “the clubs have been bankrupt for a long time due to poor management.”
Betting market executives echoed the discourse adopted by the clubs and argued that restrictions do not solve the problem of gambling addiction.
Sector understands that prohibition is not the way forward
For Ivan Dutra, CEO of LuckBet, the most effective way is through information. “We believe that the most effective way to protect society is through information and responsible communication.”
“Since the regulation, formal companies in the sector have intensified strict guidelines that ensure the broadcasting of educational campaigns aligned with the principles of responsible gaming.”
“Legal advertising, supported by agencies such as Conar, is an ally in raising awareness among the population and combating irregular practices. Absolute restrictions, without technical debate, can generate effects contrary to those desired and weaken the consumer education process,” he said.
For João Fraga, CEO of Paag, which promotes technological solutions for the iGaming sector, the restrictions are generic.
“Generic and poorly founded restrictions can indeed be harmful. The market needs clear rules, not prohibitions that only push the activity towards informality.
“The most efficient way is responsible regulation, with objective criteria, active monitoring and a focus on consumer protection. Advertising plays an important role in the transparency of the sector, as long as it is done responsibly,” he said.
Clinical and organizational psychologist and chief knowledge officer (CKO) at EBAC, Cristiano Costa believes that the current debate is important to generate knowledge about issues involving sports betting.
“All good communication involves message, environment and context. As a psychologist, I recognize this as a unique opportunity to obtain consistent information, spaces and resources for promoting mental health in Brazil, something extremely rare in our country and field of work,” said Costa.
Betting market is regularized in Brazil
The betting market has been regulated and, since January 1st of this year, companies duly legalized by the Government follow determinations related to the broadcasting of commercial pieces, whether physical or on social networks, with an emphasis on combating addiction and responsible gaming.
“We understand that any advertising restrictions at this time, at the beginning of the regulation of sports betting in Brazil, will give a great advantage to companies that operate illegally, because these companies have no limits, acting in a way that entities that operate legally cannot,” pointed out Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL).
“So, restrictions may come, but in the future, with extensive study on the subject so as not to benefit lawbreakers”, he added.
