Brazil Introduces Tobacco-Style Warnings for Betting Ads
Betting ads in Brazil will soon have to include clear warnings about financial losses and addiction risks. The new rules are meant to make gambling promotions look less like easy-money offers and more like a risky form of entertainment.
Advertisements will carry warnings from the Ministry of Finance stating that betting makes people lose money, can cause addiction and should not be treated as an investment.
The government also plans tougher action against illegal operators. Media companies, influencers and advertisers will not be allowed to promote betting brands that do not have permission to operate in Brazil. Finance minister Dario Durigan said:
We are imposing restrictions on betting advertisements in the country.
Licensed operators will also be banned from creating a sense of urgency, presenting gambling as a financial solution or using previous winnings to attract new customers.
Sports commentators, analysts and other experts will not be allowed to use their authority to suggest that a certain bet is the best option. Promotions also cannot present betting as a reliable way to support a family or make quick money. Durigan added:
No displaying winnings as bait. No selling betting as a way to make easy money, or as an investment or financial solution for families.
Companies that break the rules could face fines of up to 20% of their revenue, a suspension of up to 180 days or even lose their operating licence.
Brazil has already blocked around 56,000 betting websites and nearly 1,000 influencer profiles linked to illegal gambling promotions.
