Brazil has imposed strict new regulations on the way fixed-odds betting companies advertise their services, especially with regard to influencers on social media. The country’s efforts to modernize its gaming sector and guarantee fair advertising practices have advanced significantly with the introduction of these regulations, which are detailed in Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1,231/2024.
The new framework makes betting businesses liable for any deceptive or abusive influencer advertising that they participate in. The goal of the regulation is to stop misleading promotions and guarantee that all commercials follow guidelines for responsible gaming. It specifically forbids businesses operating without the required authorization from advertising or sponsoring sporting events. This action aims to shield customers from deceptive statements suggesting gaming is a simple way to become wealthy.
Under the new regulations, betting companies must oversee their influencers to ensure transparency and honesty in promotions. Any misleading advertising, especially claims suggesting easy riches from gambling, will be met with severe penalties. In severe cases, companies might even face the loss of their licenses.
While the ordinance bans sign-up bonuses, it does permit actions aimed at fostering bettor loyalty, though the specifics of these measures remain somewhat ambiguous. This balance aims to protect consumers while allowing the industry to develop responsibly.
The Brazilian government is focused on player safety, requiring operators to monitor bettor behavior and provide alerts if problematic patterns are detected. Additionally, robust self-exclusion options will be available, allowing users to limit their betting activities or suspend their accounts.
Régis Dudena, the Ministry of Finance Secretary of Prizes and Bets, emphasized the necessity of these regulations. He stated, “We have established clear advertising restrictions. Any misleading advertising can result in severe penalties for bookmakers.” These measures are designed to ensure that operators are accountable for their actions as Brazil prepares for its gambling market launch on January 1, 2025.
The Ministry of Finance will also maintain a list of authorized fixed-odds betting companies, with their websites featuring the domain “.bet.br” to enhance verification and trust. As the launch date approaches, Brazil aims to meet the high expectations of both stakeholders and consumers.