Brazil’s Finance Minister says advertising restrictions should not lead to prohibition

Brazil’s Finance Ministry has reiterated its preference for stricter regulation rather than prohibition of betting activities, with Executive Secretary Dario Durigan warning that an outright ban could push consumers toward unregulated operators.

Durigan said the Federal Government remains focused on strengthening oversight of the sector as betting activity continues to grow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We have to be very tough on regulation. I fear that a general prohibition would lead us to have an illicit market, an uncontrolled, unregulated market, which could bring even more harm to the country,” he said.

Durigan argued that regulation was introduced to bring an already established industry under government supervision rather than create a new market.

“Bets were authorized by the Temer Government in November 2018. They spent four years gaining weight in the Brazilian economy,” he said.

According to the official, the regulatory framework introduced under President Lula da Silva was designed to ensure operators comply with Brazilian tax, transparency and responsible gambling requirements.

“It is not enough for these companies to enter the country and not abide by Brazilian rules, not pay taxes, not comply with responsible gambling rules, and not have transparency in their information,” Durigan added.

Durigan also rejected suggestions that Government support for regulation is motivated by tax collection.

“There is no resistance on my part to discussing betting operators due to tax revenue,” he added.

The official added that more than 30,000 illegal betting websites have already been blocked and confirmed that completed licensing processes will be made publicly available, with legally protected information redacted.

Brazil’s Senate has begun reviewing legislation that would introduce restrictions on betting advertising across television, radio, streaming platforms, social media, sports uniforms and cultural events.