What Happens If Brazil Bans Betting Advertisements?

In Brazil, a bill is advancing that seeks to limit betting companies in the media and sports, and the main debate centers on how it would affect the football economy.

The Senate’s Science and Technology Committee approved the bill, which would prohibit betting advertisements in stadiums, TV broadcasts, football jerseys, and even through social media influencers.

In Brazil’s Serie A, 12 of the 20 clubs (60%) have an online casino or sports betting company as their main sponsor. Eight of the so-called “Big 12” clubs receive their primary revenue from one of these companies.

Serie B is no exception, as half of its teams promote a betting company on their shirts. These brands are also present in the naming rights of competitions: Betano sponsors the Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil, while Superbet sponsors Serie B and the Supercopa Rei.

One of the most emblematic cases is Flamengo’s deal with Betano, which is worth 46 million dollars per year — the largest contract in Latin American history and ranked 12th worldwide.

The legal process for approving the bill requires the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ) to determine whether it is constitutional. Possible exceptions for football could be debated there. If the CCJ approves it, the bill will then be voted on in the Senate and later in the Chamber of Deputies.