Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) has opened a civil inquiry to examine whether the Federal Government failed to adequately regulate and supervise betting advertising during the World Cup.
The investigation focuses on whether public authorities have properly enforced Law 14.790/2023, which regulates fixed-odds betting, particularly regarding advertisements that may expose vulnerable audiences to gambling-related harm.
The inquiry follows complaints over promotional content aired during CazéTV’s World Cup broadcasts on YouTube. Prosecutors will assess whether current regulations sufficiently address live betting promotions delivered by commentators and presenters, including the discussion of enhanced odds and promotional offers during matches.
According to the MPF, the investigation will determine whether the Government has fulfilled its constitutional duty to regulate advertising for products and services that may pose risks to public health or household finances.
Special attention will be given to the protection of children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups who may be exposed to betting advertisements during high-profile sporting events.
To support the investigation, prosecutors have requested information from the regulator Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar), the Central Bank, broadcasters involved in the tournament and several academic institutions.
The move adds another layer of scrutiny to betting advertising during the World Cup after regulators and consumer protection authorities separately launched investigations into promotional content broadcast by CazéTV.
The broadcaster has since adopted a more conservative approach to betting advertisements, removing live discussions of odds from its coverage.
Brazil’s joint congressional committee has advanced a measure that would redirect part of fixed-odds betting revenue to the Federal Police fund, Funapol
