- Over 50 Brazilian soccer clubs oppose Bill 2,985/2023, which restricts gambling sponsorships and ads, fearing a R$1.6 billion ($281M) annual revenue loss.
- The bill bans stadium betting signage, limits media ads, and prohibits celebrity endorsements, but allows some sponsorships, aiming to curb problem gambling.
- The $29.7 billion gambling market and football could face financial strain, with risks of unregulated betting growth, pending a Senate vote in 2025.
Why the Clubs Are Fighting Back
On May 27, 2025, over 50 Brazilian soccer clubs, including giants like Flamengo and Palmeiras, issued a joint statement slamming the bill as a “prohibition disguised as a limitation.”
The legislation, advanced by Senator Carlos Portinho, aims to ban gambling operator signage in stadiums and restrict betting ads on TV, radio, and digital platforms. The clubs argue it could slash R$1.6 billion ($281 million) in annual revenue, vital for both elite and lower-league teams.
You can see their point: sponsorships from betting firms like Betano and Sportingbet fund player salaries, infrastructure, and grassroots programs, especially for smaller clubs teetering on financial collapse.
What the Bill Proposes
Bill 2,985/2023, backed by the Senate’s Sports Commission, responds to rising problem gambling in Brazil, with Portinho claiming, “Football clubs are addicted to betting.”
It prohibits static betting ads in stadiums, limits media ads to specific hours (e.g., 7:30 PM to midnight for TV), and bans celebrity endorsements to protect minors. However, amendments allow limited sponsorships, like stadium naming rights, and ads on authenticated platforms for users over 18.
You might wonder how this balances player protection with commercial needs—Portinho calls it a “pragmatic compromise,” but clubs see it as a threat to their survival.
See also:
- Uganda Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling with Major Enforcement Push
- Swedish Gambling Authority Slaps SEK19M in Fines on Betsson, Snabbare, and PokerStars
- Kenya Introduces Strict Gambling Ad Rules to Curb Addiction
Impact on Brazil’s Sports and Gaming Industries
Brazil’s $29.7 billion gambling market, regulated since January 2025, relies heavily on sports sponsorships, with 90% of Série A clubs and 70% of Série B teams backed by betting brands.
Losing R$1.6 billion could destabilize football’s ecosystem, forcing clubs to cut budgets or seek less lucrative sponsors. For you, this might mean fewer high-profile matches or reduced fan experiences if clubs struggle financially.
The gaming industry also faces risks, as restrictions could push bettors to unregulated offshore sites, undermining the SPA’s efforts to block 5,200 illegal domains.
On the flip side, curbing ads could reduce gambling harm, aligning with global trends like the UK’s Premier League ban on front-of-shirt betting logos by 2026/27.
What’s Next for Brazil’s Football and Betting Landscape
The bill awaits a final vote in the Senate Plenary, bypassing the Communication and Digital Law Committee due to urgency.
If passed, restrictions kick in 90 days after publication for media and one year for stadium ads. Clubs are lobbying for Senator Romário’s amendment to soften the rules, warning of a “financial collapse” without it.
You might be curious about the outcome: will lawmakers prioritize public health or protect sports revenue? The debate, fueled by posts on X highlighting the R$1.6 billion loss, reflects deep tensions.
For now, sticking to licensed betting platforms ensures you’re in a regulated space as Brazil navigates this high-stakes clash.
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