Brazil’s newly regulated online betting market, launched on January 1, 2025, is under intense scrutiny. Senator Eduardo Girão is calling for a complete repeal of betting laws, attributing the rise in addiction and family debt to the betting industry.
In a recent Senate session, Girão declared:
“We need to stop this humanitarian tragedy that is betting. Only a few win: tycoons. And those who lose are millions. For me, it has to end.”
Girão’s proposed bill, introduced in late 2024, seeks to ban sports betting entirely. The bill is currently awaiting the appointment of a rapporteur. His stance comes amid discussions on legalizing land-based betting, which he opposes, citing concerns over the sector’s influence on Brazilian football.
Girão Introduces Bills to Restrict Betting Advertisements
In addition to the betting ban, Girão has authored PL 3,405/2023, aiming to prohibit celebrities from advertising betting on sporting events. This bill, along with PL 2,985/2023—which seeks to restrict the times betting ads can be broadcast—is scheduled for a vote by the Sports Commission. If approved, both bills will proceed to the Communication and Digital Law Commission for further analysis.
Girão argues that the football industry’s reliance on betting sponsorships is detrimental to the sport’s integrity. He has called for a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) to investigate potential misconduct by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF). Senator Soraya Thronicke, head of the CPI on betting, noted the challenges in investigating large betting companies sponsoring games in Brazil, including the CBF.
Industry Faces Uncertainty Amid Legislative Proposals
The proposed legislation and ongoing investigations signal a potential shift in Brazil’s approach to sports betting regulation. Operators and stakeholders in the iGaming industry should closely monitor these developments, as they may impact advertising strategies and sponsorship agreements within the Brazilian market.
As the debate continues, the outcome of the upcoming votes and investigations will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of sports betting in Brazil.
Photo credit: Freepik
