Brazil Tightens Betting Advertising Rules with Mandatory Warning Labels

The Brazilian Ministry of Finance, together with the Ministry of Justice, issued two joint decrees that take effect on 17 July 2026. All advertising for online sports betting (“bets”) must display one of three mandatory warnings from the Finance Ministry: “Apostar pode causar dependência,” “Apostar faz você perder dinheiro,” or “Aposta não é investimento.” The notices must be clear, legible and occupy at least 10 % of the ad space.

The rules also ban any promotional content that presents betting as an investment, a source of income, or a quick‑gain opportunity, as well as ads that target children or create urgency. Commentators, analysts and other sports personalities are prohibited from using their authority to recommend specific bets during broadcasts. Violations can lead to fines of up to 20 % of an operator’s revenue, suspension of the licence for up to 180 days, and fines of up to R$ 14 million for media outlets that carry unlawful ads.

Rio de Janeiro’s municipal government simultaneously ordered a ban on betting advertisements in all public spaces, extending the restriction to privately‑run venues that rely on municipal permits. The Justice Ministry also sent formal notifications to Apple and Google, demanding information on how their app stores verify age and ensure that betting apps without proper authorisation are not accessible to minors.