Stuck in extra time? Brazil’s betting ad bill awaits one man

Brazil’s Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has pledged to personally ask Chamber of Deputies President Hugo Motta to move forward with legislation restricting betting advertising.

The statement renews political pressure on a bill that has remained stalled since its approval by the Senate last year.

“I will speak personally with President Hugo Motta about the possibility of voting on the bill regarding the prohibition of betting advertising during football broadcasts,” he said, speaking at the Senate.

The legislation, approved by the Senate in May 2025, would introduce sweeping restrictions on betting marketing, including banning athletes, artists, broadcasters, influencers and public authorities from appearing in gambling advertisements.

A different bill with similar restrictions was also approved in February 2026 by the Senate’s Science and Technology Committee (CCT).

Despite clearing the Senate, the proposal has yet to begin its legislative journey in the Chamber of Deputies.

The renewed push was also reinforced by Senator Carlos Portinho, who called on Alcolumbre to help advance the bill. Portinho argued that restricting the use of celebrities and influencers would address one of the industry’s most controversial marketing practices.

“The project prohibits people from appearing in gambling advertisements, tackling the problem of influencers, artists and sporting idols who unfortunately encourage betting and contribute to Brazilian families’ indebtedness,” Portinho said.

The proposal would also introduce further restrictions on betting advertisements during sports broadcasts and prohibit the use of animated characters in gambling marketing.

Recently, Finance Minister Dario Durigan confirmed the Government is preparing another round of restrictions on betting advertising, saying new measures could be introduced through administrative acts or, if necessary, a provisional presidential decree.