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Senate in Brazil Grants Approval for Legislation Limiting Advertisements for Gambling Activities

Legislation Bill 2.985/2023, designed to curb gambling promotions, has been approved in Brazil's Senate.

Senate in Brazil passes legislation limiting advertising for gambling activities
Senate in Brazil passes legislation limiting advertising for gambling activities

Senate in Brazil Grants Approval for Legislation Limiting Advertisements for Gambling Activities

Brazil Senate Approves Bill to Regulate Gambling Advertisements

In a move aimed at curbing the proliferation of gambling advertisements, particularly during live sports broadcasts, the Brazilian Senate has approved Bill PL 2.985/2023 on May 28, 2025. The new legislation establishes a regulatory framework for fixed-odds and online betting advertisements.

However, the specific restrictions imposed by the bill remain unclear as the available search results do not contain detailed provisions. To understand the exact requirements and limitations, one would need to consult the full text of the bill or official government publications.

The bill specifically restricts the promotion of fixed-odds betting and extends to direct advertisements and promotional activities. This has raised concerns among various soccer clubs, the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), and Games Magazine Brazil.

The IBJR fears that the new bill could provide opportunities for the illegal gambling market to expand, while soccer clubs estimate an immediate annual loss of approximately R$1.6 billion (around USD $310 million) if the proposed law is implemented. The clubs also warn that the new rules could be detrimental to the survival of smaller clubs.

The soccer clubs and Games Magazine Brazil have urged Senate committees to proceed with caution, responsibility, and an understanding of the potential damage the proposed law could cause to football and Brazilian sports. The IBJR argues that legal advertising plays a crucial role in informing the public and enabling individuals to distinguish between regulated and unregulated gambling platforms.

The concerns raised by the IBJR and soccer clubs highlight the need for careful consideration of the bill's potential consequences on various aspects of Brazilian society. Senator Styvenson Valentim, who pushed the discussion forward, highlighted the harmful impact of gambling, including psychological issues, suicide, and pressure from loan sharks.

Discussion on limiting gambling advertisements picked up in pace in April. Valentim noted that individuals are often misled into believing they can build wealth or become rich through betting. The restrictions involve athletes, artists, media personalities, influencers, or public figures.

The new limitations on gambling-related advertising are expected to have significant implications for the Brazilian sports sector and the advertising industry. As the bill moves forward, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including the government, industry, and public, engage in open and informed discussions to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to regulating gambling advertisements in Brazil.

[1] Sources: Senate of Brazil, Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming, Games Magazine Brazil, and various news outlets.

  1. The discussion on limiting gambling advertisements, including those for casino-games and betting odds, gained momentum in April, with concerns raised by the finance and business sectors about the potential impacts on the advertising industry and the Brazilian sports sector.
  2. With the approval of Bill PL 2.985/2023, the Brazilian Senate aims to address gambling trends, particularly in the realm of casino-and-gambling, by regulating fixed-odds and online betting advertisements.
  3. The new legislation has sparked debates in the realm of politics and general-news, with various organizations, such as soccer clubs and the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), expressing concerns about the potential implications for Brazilian sports as well as the expansion of the illegal gambling market.
  4. Amidst the discussion, Senator Styvenson Valentim has pointed out the harmful effects of gambling on society, including psychological issues, suicide, and pressure from loan sharks, emphasizing the need for a responsible approach to gambling advertising.

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