Brazil’s Senate Sports Committee has approved legislation that significantly restricts betting advertising and prohibits the use of influencers in promotional materials. The bill aims to address growing concerns about gambling addiction in the country, per Games Magazine Brasil (GMB).

The legislation imposes strict regulations on when and where betting companies can advertise. On television and social media, ads will only be permitted between 7:30 p.m. and midnight, as well as 15 minutes before and after live sports broadcasts. Radio advertisements face similar restrictions, limited to specific time slots.

Stadium advertising faces the most controversial restrictions. Under the new rules, betting companies may only advertise in stadiums if they directly sponsor teams, competitions, or hold venue naming rights. This provision has sparked pushback from soccer clubs.

Ban on Influencer Marketing

The bill explicitly prohibits “the use of the image of active athletes, professional coaching staff, as well as artists, communicators, influencers, authorities, or publicly recognized figures” in betting promotional material. The only exception applies to former athletes who have been retired for at least five years.

This restriction follows a broader crackdown on influencer marketing in the sector. In November 2024, Brazil’s Sports Ministry requested federal intervention after uncovering fraudulent gambling advertisements on YouTube that affected thousands of Brazilians.

Brazil’s soccer clubs have strongly opposed the stadium advertising restrictions, warning of potential “financial collapse of the entire sports ecosystem.” In a joint statement supported by over 50 clubs, they estimated annual losses of approximately R$1.6 billion (~$285 million).

Senator Carlos Portinho, the bill’s rapporteur, dismissed these concerns, stating that “the clubs have been financially broken for a long time due to poor management” and that the legislation prioritizes sponsorships over general advertising.

If approved by the full Senate, the bill will proceed to the Chamber of Deputies for final consideration.