A new bill introduced in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies would prohibit sports commentators, presenters and reporters from promoting or discussing betting during live broadcasts, as scrutiny over gambling advertising during the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to grow.
Filed by Congresswoman Camila Jara, Bill 3,265/2026 seeks to draw a clear line between sports journalism and betting promotions by preventing broadcast talent from mentioning odds, recommending wagers or linking sporting outcomes to financial gains during television, radio, streaming and digital coverage.
The proposal extends beyond live matches to include pre-game and post-match programming, while also applying to guests appearing as part of sports coverage.
Rather than banning betting advertising outright, the bill would allow promotional content to be delivered only by certified betting consultants, or “tipsters,” who would be prohibited from simultaneously working as commentators or reporters.
Any betting-related segments would have to be clearly identified as advertising, include responsible gambling warnings and explicitly state that betting is not an investment.
Jara argued the proposal is intended to protect the credibility of sports journalism rather than restrict licensed operators.
According to the bill, the increasing use of commentators to discuss odds during broadcasts blurs the distinction between editorial content and commercial advertising, particularly for audiences that include minors and financially vulnerable viewers.
The proposal comes after betting promotions became increasingly visible during Brazil’s World Cup coverage, with CazéTV attracting criticism over the integration of betting odds and promotional offers into its live broadcasts.
If approved, the legislation would introduce one of Brazil’s most restrictive measures governing how betting operators can be promoted during sports broadcasts.
Brazil’s sports betting market recorded more than BR1.4bn ($290m) in advertising investment during 2025
