IBJR Says Advertising Restrictions Could Weaken the Regulation of Betting in Brazil

The assessment was presented in a note sent to Poder360 on Wednesday (February 4, 2026), the same day the Senate's Committee on Science and Technology (CCT) approved a bill that bans advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of sports betting and online gaming. The text will now be reviewed by the Committee on Constitution and Justice (CCJ).

According to IBJR, which represents legally established online betting companies, advertising communication plays a central role in identifying platforms that operate in compliance with the law and under state supervision. The institute argues that advertising allows consumers to differentiate licensed operators from those operating outside the legal framework.

In its statement, IBJR said that "advertising is used by regulated sectors of the economy to inform the public about licensed companies that are subject to operational rules," including practices and commitments related to responsible gaming. The organization also warned that limiting the communication of authorized companies could reduce the visibility of the regulated market, creating space for illegal operators.

Regulated advertising and industry self-regulation

The institute also cited data reinforcing the need for regulatory balance. According to a survey referenced by IBJR, sports betting accounted for around 20% of the complaints received by Conar (the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council) in 2024.

Currently, betting advertising in Brazil is already subject to several restrictions, such as the prohibition of ads that portray betting as a source of income, the ban on using personalities with appeal to minors, and the mandatory inclusion of responsible gaming warning messages.

IBJR stated that it has maintained a partnership with Conar since 2023 and continues to actively participate in discussions on rules and limits for advertising communication in the betting sector.

Bill advances in the Senate

The bill approved by the CCT is PL 3,563 of 2024, which, in addition to banning advertising and sponsorship of betting activities, also prohibits wagers related to electoral outcomes, such as elections, plebiscites, and referendums. The proposal was introduced by Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP) and is reported by Senator Damares Alves (Republicanos-DF).

In her report, Damares stated that betting involving electoral processes "creates financial incentives capable of influencing voter behavior," potentially undermining public confidence in the democratic system and raising doubts about the integrity of election results. The rapporteur also highlighted the risk of external interference, with the possibility that international economic groups could use betting as a tool to influence elections in Brazil.

If the future law is violated, the penalties provided include fines ranging from BRL 50,000 to BRL 500,000. The text also points to risks such as vote buying, the spread of disinformation, pressure on voters and public officials, and attempts to manipulate polls and electoral campaigns.

At the same time, another bill addressing betting advertising, PL 2,985 of 2023, continues to move through the legislative process. The proposal was approved by the Senate in May 2025 but remains stalled in the Chamber of Deputies, awaiting the creation of a special committee to analyze the matter.