Brazil Progresses in Implementing Restrictions on Minor Gambling Ads
Brazil’s lower house committee has given preliminary approval to a substitute bill aimed at banning gambling advertisements directed at minors. The legislation also proposes a tiered penalty system for operators and other entities involved in campaigns that feature children or teenagers. Brazil Minors Gambling
The Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step toward tightening regulations on gambling advertising aimed at young audiences. The Committee on Social Security, Social Assistance, Childhood, Adolescence and Family approved a substitute version of Bill 3724/24, originally introduced by Deputy Túlio Gadêlha. Legislators explained that the goal is to strengthen protections both in physical spaces and online platforms, where betting messages are increasingly prevalent. The bill specifically addresses promotions related to lottery draws, betting websites, and other forms of gambling advertising.
Congress woman Meire Serafim emphasized: “Even though consumption and purchases were already prohibited, there was no law specifically dealing with advertising. And that’s precisely what this project does, prohibiting this kind of publicity on any digital or communication platform.” The revised text was crafted following discussions within Congress and seeks to enhance existing legislation, including Law 14.790/23 and the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA). Serafim explained that the legal gap was not about access to gambling products but rather how these products are promoted. With committee approval, the bill will now proceed further in the legislative process, although lawmakers still need to consider whether to extend these protections into a comprehensive national framework.
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The proposed legislation would prohibit promotional activities involving online gamblers and teenage content creators on social media platforms. Under the bill, advertising that promotes betting services to minors would be classified as an administrative offense. Supporters argue that current regulations already prevent minors from purchasing or using gambling products; however, they remain concerned about indirect marketing reaching young audiences through digital channels. This issue has gained urgency as gambling content proliferates across social media, mobile apps, and video-sharing platforms. Advocates for the bill contend that online personalities can amplify gambling messages in ways that are difficult for regulators to monitor effectively. The legislation aims to close the gap between existing product restrictions and promotional practices, providing authorities with a clearer legal basis to intervene against campaigns targeting minors or likely to reach them.
The bill proposes fines for companies, betting operators, and individuals involved in advertising campaigns featuring minors. Fines would range from BRL 3,000 to BRL 10,000, with the penalties doubling for repeat offenses within a year or in cases involving commercial transactions. Representatives of betting companies or parents organizing such advertising could face fines up to ten times higher. The most severe sanctions would target operators who facilitate ads involving minors, with fines potentially increased by a factor of 100. Despite receiving committee approval, the bill still faces additional scrutiny. It must be reviewed by the Committee on the Constitution and Justice to assess its constitutional compliance. If approved, it will require final approval from both chambers of Congress and the signature of the President before becoming law. For now, this legislative effort contributes to ongoing discussions about regulating gambling advertising within Brazil’s broader regulated market framework. Brazil Minors Gambling
