Brazilian Senate Sports Commission to discuss two bills aimed at restricting advertising
The Sports Commission (CEsp) will discuss in a public hearing the bill that prohibits advertising for betting (PL 2.985/2023), and the proposal that prohibits athletes and celebrities from promoting sports betting platforms (PL 3.405/2023). Introduced by Senators Carlos Portinho and Jorge Kajuru, the requests to discuss these topics were approved last week. The date for the debate will be scheduled later.
According to the Senate News Agency the author of PL 2.985/2023 is Senator Styvenson Valentim. In the justification, he argues that, given the economic power accumulated by betting companies, the legislature must act to establish limits on the activity. In the bill Valentim emphasizes that the sudden shift in the demographics of bettors, now predominantly consisting of youth, has created a pressing need for legislative action to establish boundaries on the industry. The senator cites concerns about impulsive behaviour facilitated by instant access to betting. Portinho is the rapporteur for the text.
Meanwhile, PL 3.405/2023 is authored by Senator Eduardo Girão and has a similar purpose. The rapporteur for this bill is Senator Sérgio Petecão. This proposal includes a provision in the law regulating betting that prohibits advertising by sports teams, athletes, former athletes, as well as presenters or commentators of any sport and in any form of communication. It also prohibits advertisements made by celebrities, digital influencers, or any individuals, as defined in regulations, who can influence the behaviour of a significant number of people. Other senators also advocated for a deeper discussion on the topic.
Portinho requested that the debate occur in April, preferably in the Senate Chamber, and that individuals with all viewpoints on the matter be invited. The president of the CEsp, Senator Leila Barros, stated that she will seek to accommodate the requests and affirmed that she will expedite the process.
