Brazil hearing warns betting ads are driving harm, bill seeks nationwide ban

Brazilian lawmakers and health experts have warned that the explosion of sports betting and online casino advertising is normalising gambling and fuelling debt and mental‑health problems, as a new bill proposes a nationwide ban on such ads.

At a hearing of the Chamber of Deputies Sports Committee, researchers, gambling‑addiction specialists and health professionals said the volume of betting promotion across TV and digital channels is contributing to a sharp rise in dangerous play.

Psychiatrist Leonardo Carriço, an expert in behavioural addictions, compared the current stage of betting publicity to the era of unrestricted cigarette advertising, warning that constant brand exposure in sports broadcasts and social media erodes the public’s perception of risk.

“The blatant exposure in sports and in all other social spheres ends up producing the impression that it is a 100% normal activity, free of risks,” he told lawmakers, citing estimates of 1.4 million Brazilians diagnosed with gambling disorder and around 11 million with risky gambling behaviour.

Researcher Kelly Noronha urged lawmakers to look beyond tax revenues and weigh the costs borne by the public health system, psychosocial care services and social assistance, as family indebtedness climbs. “Are we really profiting from this or are we passing on a much larger bill to society?” she asked.

Letícia Ferraz, head of the Laboratory for Human Rights and New Technologies (LabSul), said advertising needs to be reshaped to emphasise information and education about gambling risks, arguing that simply removing ads would be insufficient.

Former Olympic athlete and deputy Luiz Lima told the committee that betting brands now dominate pitch‑side and broadcast inventory, and called for restrictions similar to those imposed on tobacco.

Committee president Saulo Pedroso said the sheer volume of betting publicity runs counter to the protective aims of regulation and is pushing families into harm’s way. Pedroso is sponsoring Bill 1212/25, which would prohibit all advertising, commercials and promotions related to sports betting and electronic games of chance.

Responding for the government, Finance Ministry official Fabio Macorin said current rules already ban ads that pressure consumers to “bet now” or portray gambling as a financial solution, and require operators to block minors and self‑excluded users.