Senate Committee Advances Brazil Betting Ad Ban Proposal

Brazil’s Senate has moved closer to imposing a nationwide ban on gambling advertising after the Science and Technology Committee (CCT) approved new legislation on Wednesday. The proposal seeks to amend the Sports Betting Law by prohibiting advertising and promotional activity for fixed-odds sports betting and online games across the country, while also banning promotion of wagers linked to election results.

The text approved by the committee replaces earlier versions of Bill 3.563/2024 and Bill 3.586/2024, which were introduced separately to address gambling advertising and electoral betting. Lawmakers opted to combine both initiatives into a substitute version designed to reflect overlapping objectives.

Rationale Behind The Proposal

Senator Damares Alves (Republicanos-DF), who acted as rapporteur, presented the revised text and pointed to findings from the Betting Parliamentary Inquiry Commission. In her assessment, gambling addiction has contributed to worsening mental health outcomes among Brazilians. She argued that the measure responds to risks identified during Senate investigations.

“By imposing clear limits on the commercial activities of betting houses and preventing the exploitation of the electoral environment by this type of activity, the proposal offers a legislative response proportionate to the seriousness of the problem diagnosed by the Federal Senate,” he adds.

Under the proposal, advertising restrictions would apply broadly, covering television, radio, newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, and sponsorships involving sports clubs and events. The bill also outlines sanctions, including fines of up to $2 million and the possibility of licence suspension or revocation for violations.

Concerns From Sports Stakeholders

During committee discussions, Senator Efraim Filho (União-PB) raised concerns shared by sports organizations, particularly those involved in Olympic disciplines that rely on sponsorship funding. He suggested that lawmakers may consider limited exceptions as the bill advances.

Alves indicated that further revisions could take place when the proposal reaches the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ), where it may be reviewed alongside other related measures. She acknowledged that lawmakers could consolidate multiple proposals into a single substitute text at that stage.

Market Background And International Context

The debate unfolds as Brazil’s regulated online gambling market continues to expand. The framework launched in January 2025 with 14 licensed operators and has since grown to more than 80. During its first full year, the sector generated around $7 billion in gross gaming revenue.

Udo Seckelmann, head of gambling & crypto at Brazilian law firm Bichara e Motta Advogados, previously commented on the market’s development: “I think the market is a huge success. I think what Brazil has done especially the past two years with all the ordinances, all the regulations, all the federal laws and all the advancements that we’ve had [has] been great.”

Some observers caution that tighter advertising limits, combined with a gradual tax increase approved last month by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, could complicate efforts to reduce illegal gambling. Taxes will rise annually until reaching 15% in 2028.

Brazil joins a growing list of countries examining or enforcing gambling advertising bans, including several European nations and Argentina, where similar discussions are underway.

Source:

"End of betting advertising progresses in the Collective Bargaining Agreement" ,www12.senado.leg.br, February 4 2026