Fazenda says new rules for betting advertising will be published this Friday

The other ordinance, in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice, will have measures against betting companies that operate illegally in the country. Dario Durigan reinforced that media outlets are prohibited from reporting companies not authorized to operate in the market. "We place restrictions on betting advertising in the country. I don't need to say, because it's raining on the wet, our zero tolerance for illegal bets. So, illegal betting is not authorized under any measure, nor are advertisers or media outlets authorized to broadcast any advertising involving a company not authorized to operate in the market", stated the Minister of Finance. With the ordinances, Durigan said, companies are prohibited from creating a sense of urgency, presenting bets as an investment or financial solution, showing earnings or history of awards as an incentive and misleading consumers. Prohibitions on commentators The Minister of Finance stated that the new rules will also prohibit commentators and experts from making statements that mislead potential bettors. "[It is not legal to mix] a comment from someone who is an expert, commentator, specialized in a certain game, a certain subject. Saying that the best bet is one, or that the path to be adopted is that one, therefore inducing the consumer to adopt a certain practice with a veneer of technical support. So, this should not be done", said Dario Durigan. The Finance Minister also stated that commentators, experts and narrators will not be able to use their authority to encourage betting. "No showing off gains as bait, no selling bets as easy money, investment or financial solution for families", added the Minister of Finance. Penalties According to Durigan, in case of non-compliance with the rules, the penalties foreseen are fines, which can reach 20% of the revenue of the company that operates the bet. And also, suspension for 180 days. In the event of a serious recurrence, authorization to operate in the online betting market may be revoked. The National Consumer Secretary, Ricardo Morishita, said that the maximum fine, around R$14 million, could be applied to anyone who advertises irregular bets. The government also informed that the company will be punished if the hired influencer carries out irregular advertising, violating the new rules, and the content may also be taken down. More than 50 thousand betting sites taken down During an interview with journalists, Dario Durigan reported that 56 thousand betting sites have already been taken down by the government and almost a thousand influencer profiles as well. He reported that the government has already demanded the self-exclusion of almost a million bettors, as they do not comply with the prohibitions provided for by law. "There was a prohibition, which beneficiaries of government programs are prohibited from accessing. Decision by the STF. And also by people who join Desenrola [debt renegotiation program launched by the Lula administration", explained Durigan. According to the minister, the companies authorized to operate have collaborated with complaints against illegal bets. The minister also presented a timeline on the authorization for betting in Brazil: 2018: authorization to operate, but without the establishment of rules 2023: Congress establishes general rules 2024: Ministry of Finance established the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets to supervise the sector 2025: government starts collecting grants and applies rules Dario Durigan, Minister of Finance Washington Costa/MF