Top Brazilian football clubs oppose a new bill that could ban gambling ads in sports, warning it would threaten vital sponsorships and damage the sports sector. The proposed bill, a substitute for Bill No. 2,985/23, proposed by Senator Carlos Portinho, aims to ban the visibility of betting brands from sporting events and venues.
**Top Brazilian football clubs oppose a new bill** that could ban gambling ads in sports, warning it would threaten vital sponsorships and damage the sports sector.
The proposed bill, a substitute for **Bill No. 2,985/23**, proposed by Senator Carlos Portinho, aims to ban the visibility of betting brands from sporting events and venues.
The introduction of this bill will result in major financial losses for Brazilian football clubs. According to the joint statement by the clubs, the Brazilian sports segment can lose **R$1.6 billion (approximately $310 million)** per year.
The clubs, however, support an alternative suggestion by Senator Romário, which would allow static or electronic betting ads in venues if linked to existing contracts. This compromise provides legal certainty, protects existing contracts, and covers the interests of all parties involved, clubs, sponsors, and stadium operators alike.
The statement clarifies that the clubs support **responsible gambling policies** and believe in implementing strong advertising standards. However, they are against total bans that do not effectively target problem gambling and instead risk damaging the sports ecosystem.
Brazil’s betting market only became regulated in January 2025, and clubs warn that premature or extreme regulation could damage the industry before it matures. They are urging Senate committees to consider the broader implications and adopt a measured, sustainable approach that supports both responsible gambling and the economic viability of sport.