Senate restricts the participation of influencers, but releases sponsorship of betting houses to stadiums and teams
The PL (Bill) 2985/2023, which proposes to limit the advertising of fixed quota sports bets, on Wednesday (28.MAI.2025) at the Senate Sport Commission. Although the text claims to protect vulnerable audiences – as children and adolescents – industry entities evaluate that the rules can make room for the illegal market.
The proposal still needs to pass the Communication and Digital Law Commission, which was not installed. The president of the house, David Alcolumbre (Union-AP), evaluates to take the theme to the plenary. This is the report (PDF – 188 kb).
The IBJR (Brazilian Institute of Responsible Game) states that the project impairs communication between legalized companies and gamblers, and favors the illegal market – which is about 50% of the sector in the country, according to the entity.
For IBJR, legal advertising “guides, informs and protects” by allowing users to recognize authorized and committed to responsible practices.
It cannot, but it depends
Among the main points of the text is the prohibition of the participation of athletes, members of technical committees, artists, communicators, influencers and authorities in advertising.
However, the PL does not define what characterizes an influencer and opens exception to former retired athletes for over five years, provided they have no “children’s appeal”.
Restrictions also prohibit the use of animations that may attract minors, including those generated by AI (artificial intelligence).
The proposal prohibits advertising, but authorizes sponsorship actions to sports teams – including sports, journalistic or cultural TV programs.
The text seals static or electronic advertising in arenas and stadiums, but allows the event itself to be sponsored by the platform or has naming rights About the place.
Logos in club uniforms are still allowed, except in the case of underage players. Referees are prohibited from stamping bets.
All advertising must contain the warning: “Bets cause dependence and damage to you and your family”.
The proposal establishes restricted times for advertising:
- From 7:30 pm to 0:00 am on television and streaming platforms;
- From 9am to 11am and from 17h to 19h30 on radio;
- 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the event in sports broadcasts;
- During games, any advertising is prohibited. But the sponsorship of TV shows is authorized, provided it only displays the company’s logo
Time limitations also apply to social networks. The text requires digital platforms to make free to disable bets related to bets, which can only be displayed for over 18 years.
The PL does not detail how the inspection will be done, especially in the digital environment.
Despite the restrictions, the text allows betting platforms to continue promoting their services on their own websites and applications, as long as without external drive.
Bets defend Conar
IBJR said Brazil already has a regulatory framework. The entity refers to, AE to (National Council of Advertising Self -Regulation).
Annex X of the Conar Code prohibits ads with athletes under 21 years and advertising aimed at children.
The law mentioned legalized online sports bets and prohibited owners of betting houses to work in soccer clubs. The ordinance has defined rules for responsible advertising, vetoing unauthorized companies.
Read the full note of the institute:
“The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Game (IBJR) expresses profound concern about the approval of PL No. 2,985 in the Senate Sports Commission, which imposes severe restrictions on the advertising of betting houses.
“The proposal impairs communication between legalized betting companies and gamblers, compromising the sustainability of a regulated and committed sector to the responsible game.
“These restrictions expose the gambler even more to the illegal market, which already represents about half of the market, not offering guarantees, without control and without any return to society.
“Legal advertising guides, informs and protects. With it, the citizen identifies regulated platforms, which follow strict rules and assume commitments to the responsible game.
“Brazil already has a robust and constant regulatory framework. Law 14.790/23, Ordinance No. 1.231/24 of the SPA and Annex X of the Conar Code, prepared with the active contribution of IBJR, establish clear criteria for sector communication, focusing on ethics and protection of vulnerable audiences.
“IBJR is still committed to dialogue, the game responsible and the development of an ethical and responsible market for all Brazilians.”
