More than 60 Brazilian news organizations have signed a joint editorial pledging not to accept advertising from the online sports betting industry, arguing the practice would compromise their capacity to hold the sector to account.
The signatories include national outlets, local publications, investigative newsrooms and sites covering startups, technology and financial markets, several of which said they had already turned down advertising offers.
In the editorial, the group said: "We publicly reject that influence, especially over journalism, which must be committed above all to the public interest."
Natalia Viana, Executive Director of Investigative nonprofit Agência Pública, said: "This is already a historic mobilization."
Vinícius Martins, Multimedia Director at Alma Preta, an outlet covering Brazil's Black population, said sports betting has caused serious harm in the country, particularly among Black families.
Pedro Dória, Founder of the digital outlet Meio, said: "This is not an easy decision for us. 2026 has been a very difficult year for the press. Money is scarce for everyone. But we feel we have no other option."
Rodrigo Borges, Editor of MigraMundo, said public relations agencies representing betting companies contact him roughly once a week seeking coverage.
The initiative was launched by 15 media organizations and grew to more than 60 signatories within a week
The editorial follows a surge in betting activity in Brazil during the FIFA World Cup, when the Ministry of Justice opened a probe into whether a broadcaster aired betting ads during matches while overlooking their consequences for mental health.
Signatories said they hope the editorial reaches media buyers and Brazil's National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation, and remains open to any journalism organization that wants to join.
Brazil's Ministry of Justice opened an investigation into whether a television network aired betting advertisements during World Cup matches without addressing their impact on public health
