Brazilian congresswoman targets betting tips during World Cup broadcasts

Brazilian congresswoman Erika Hilton has asked the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) to investigate the promotion of betting products by sports commentators during football broadcasts, arguing that some coverage is crossing the line between advertising and financial advice.

The request centres on the growing presence of odds discussions during live match coverage, particularly throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Hilton claims that betting markets are increasingly being presented to viewers as opportunities for profit rather than as gambling products carrying financial risk.

“It is unacceptable for a commentator to use their position as an expert to induce viewers to place bets,” Hilton said in a statement.

The complaint argues that commentators are not simply displaying betting advertisements but, in some cases, discussing specific outcomes and highlighting odds that could encourage viewers to wager on particular results. 

Hilton also questioned whether such content is being sufficiently identified as advertising, especially when integrated directly into match coverage.

The issue has drawn particular attention during World Cup broadcasts. The filing references a promotion aired during a Canada-Qatar match in which viewers were shown odds favoring both teams to score. Canada ultimately won 6-0, leading critics to question the role of betting-related predictions within sports programming.

"Regardless of the outcome of the match in question, or the conduct of each commentator, it is evident that this is not an individual deviation, but rather a marketing and advertising strategy carried out by online betting platforms," ​​the deputy pointed out.

Earlier this month, Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) intensified its consumer protection and responsible advertising efforts ahead of what is expected to be one of the country’s busiest betting periods on record during the World Cup.

Pedro Uczai, another lawmaker, has also criticized online betting advertising, warning that the World Cup should not be used to expand the industry’s reach in the country.