Brazil Senate Committee Advances Bill for Full Gambling Advertising Ban

Senate Committee Approves Sweeping Advertising Prohibition

Brasília, Brazil – The Brazilian Senate's Science and Technology Committee (CCT) has given its approval to a bill that seeks to implement a comprehensive ban on advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of sports betting and online games nationwide. The measure, which also includes a prohibition on election betting promotion, marks a significant escalation in Brazil's regulatory approach to the burgeoning online gambling sector. The bill, identified as an amended version of Bill No. 3,563/2024, will now proceed to the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ) for further review.

Details of the Proposed Restrictions and Penalties

The newly advanced bill, championed by rapporteur Senator Damares Alves, aims to amend Brazil's Sports Betting Law. If enacted, it would prohibit gambling advertising across all media platforms, including:

• Radio
• Television
• Newspapers and magazines
• Social media platforms
• Sponsorships involving sports events and clubs

The legislation also explicitly bans the promotion of election betting. Violations of these prohibitions could lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to $2 million and the potential suspension or revocation of operating licenses. There is, however, a possibility for lawmakers to consider an amendment that would permit sponsorships specifically for Olympic sports clubs.

Broader Regulatory Landscape and Industry Reaction

This latest development follows previous legislative efforts and existing regulations. In May 2025, the Senate had already approved Bill PL 2,985/2023, which introduced significant restrictions on fixed-odds betting advertisements, though it stopped short of a full ban and is currently stalled in the Chamber of Deputies. Existing regulations, such as Order No. 2,344/2024 from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, already prohibit all forms of gambling bonuses in advertisements and impose strict rules against targeting minors, with daily fines of R$50,000 for non-compliance.

The prospect of a full advertising ban has generated considerable concern among online gambling stakeholders and sports organizations. The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has warned that such restrictions could inadvertently push bettors towards the black market, undermining the regulated sector and weakening consumer protections. Football clubs have also voiced strong opposition, estimating potential annual revenue losses of R$1.6 billion ($285 million) if the restrictions are fully enforced, and highlighting the risk of financial instability for smaller teams. Hugo Motta, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, urged caution, emphasizing the economic impact on sports financing. Critics argue that excessive advertising restrictions might not curb problem gambling but could instead amplify it by directing players to unregulated operators who lack responsible gaming standards. Brazil's regulated online market, which launched in January 2025, generated approximately $7 billion in gross gaming revenue in its first full year.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

With the CCT's approval, the fate of the proposed advertising ban now rests with the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee. Should it pass through this committee and subsequent legislative stages, the new rules could take effect as early as 2026. The ongoing debate underscores a tension between the desire for consumer protection and the potential economic repercussions for a recently regulated and rapidly growing industry in Brazil.