Congresswoman Gleisi Hoffmann (PT-PR) has taken a bold step by introducing a bill to ban all advertising, communication, and marketing of fixed-odds lottery bets in Brazil. The bill, which seeks to treat betting ads similarly to cigarette and alcohol marketing, aims to curb the growing influence of gambling on Brazilian consumers, particularly the vulnerable.
Brazil’s betting market has exploded in recent years, with over R$50 billion spent on online bets in 2023 alone. This number is expected to reach R$68 billion by mid-2024, with billions lost to gambling. Hoffmann’s bill intends to amend Law No. 14,790 to impose strict restrictions on how betting companies advertise, including blocking websites that host betting promotions. This regulation would extend to internet providers, requiring them to remove gambling-related content.
The heart of the bill is about consumer protection. Hoffmann aims to shield Brazilians from the bombardment of betting ads that have normalized gambling, especially among young people. By limiting these marketing practices, the bill seeks to create a safer, more responsible environment for gaming in Brazil, reducing the risks of compulsive gambling and promoting social responsibility.
As the betting industry continues to grow, so do concerns about the social impact of gambling. Hoffmann’s bill emphasizes the need for a balance between entertainment and well-being, prioritizing the protection of vulnerable populations over unchecked corporate profits. If passed, the bill could reshape how the gambling industry operates in Brazil, placing tighter controls on its aggressive advertising strategies and signaling a new era of responsible gaming regulation.
