Brazil senate committee advances bill to prohibit gambling advertising
Brazil’s Senate has advanced legislation that would prohibit gambling advertising nationwide, as lawmakers continue to debate the social and regulatory implications of the country’s expanding online betting market.
The Senate Science and Technology Committee this week approved a bill that would amend Brazil’s Sports Betting Law to ban advertising for sports betting and online games across all media platforms. The proposal would also prohibit the promotion of election betting. The bill will now move to the Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship Committee for further consideration.
Under the proposal, gambling advertising would be barred on radio, television, newspapers, magazines, social media platforms, and through sponsorships involving sports events and clubs. Lawmakers may still consider an amendment that would allow sponsorships involving Olympic sports clubs.
The legislation would introduce penalties of up to $2 million for violations, along with the potential suspension or revocation of operating licenses.
Senator Damares Alves linked gambling promotion to social concerns, including mental health impacts. “By imposing clear limits on the commercial performance of bookmakers and preventing the exploitation of the electoral environment by this type of activity, the proposition offers a legislative response proportional to the seriousness of the problem diagnosed by the Federal Senate,” Alves said.
The proposal comes as Brazil’s regulated online gambling sector continues to expand. The country launched its legal online gambling market in January 2025 with 14 licensed operators. That number has since increased to more than 80. The first full year of regulated online gambling generated approximately $7 billion in gross gaming revenue.
One of the primary objectives of legalizing online gambling in Brazil was to reduce the size of the illegal market. However, concerns have emerged that stricter advertising restrictions, combined with higher taxes, could complicate that effort. Industry stakeholders fear the proposed advertising ban and recent tax increases could slow the transition of players away from unlicensed operators.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved a gradual tax increase last month that will raise gambling taxes from the original 12% by one percentage point each year until reaching 15% in 2028.
Brazil’s discussion on gambling advertising mirrors debates underway in several other jurisdictions. In Canada, lawmakers have continued to explore tighter controls on gambling advertising following the launch of legal sports betting in 2022. More than 40 senators pushed for stronger restrictions late last year, and discussions remain ongoing.
Several European countries have already implemented advertising bans. Belgium prohibited all gambling advertising on television, radio, newspapers, and public spaces in 2023. The Netherlands introduced similar restrictions on non-targeted advertising and is considering further limits.
Spain enacted a strict advertising ban in 2020, largely removing gambling advertising from television and prohibiting the use of celebrities and jersey sponsorships. Italy has enforced a nationwide ban on television, radio, and digital gambling advertising since 2018.
Elsewhere in South America, Argentina is examining the possibility of a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships.
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/06/117493-brazil-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-prohibit-gambling-advertising