Rio de Janeiro to vote on bill banning BET advertising for sporting events

The author of the bill is Congressman Rodrigo Amorim (União). These amendments to the advertising law, already approved by the Constitution and Justice Commission, could force the 20 Brazilian Serie A clubs to change their uniforms for matches played in the state of Rio. 

90% of the Serie A clubs are sponsored by online gambling companies. Only Bragantino and Mirassol, both from São Paulo, do not display the brands, but are sponsored by two BETs.

“There are alarming statistics on the excessive use of BETs in Brazil,” says Amorim. “It is already known that more than 80% of Brazilians who use these sites are in debt. It is estimated that gambling has caused an annual loss of 117 billion reais to the country's commercial establishments, due to the redirection of household spending towards gambling. In other words: we have to try to balance this, to contain this absurd wave of addiction”, he explains. He continues: “Poor families are shifting from spending on food to gambling”.

What does the Bill provide for?

According to the Bill, which has already been approved by the CCJ, the sponsorship and advertising of gambling or similar companies and sites, in any form, is prohibited in Rio in all sporting activities. The ban extends to advertising on T-shirts, caps, visors and other similar items, sporting venues and equipment, as well as radio, television and internet broadcasts.

The use of images of athletes in marketing, as well as the inclusion of promotional gifts, toys or collectible items associated with sports betting will also be prohibited in Rio. In case of non-compliance with the restrictions set out in the above articles, the offender will be subject to sanctions of suspension of advertising and a fine.

By Diogo Dantas