Brazil Tightens Betting Regulations with Credit Ban and Advertising Limits

Brazil has moved to curb gambling‑related debt and exposure by introducing new rules that forbid credit‑funded payments for betting and by debating stricter advertising limits for sports betting and online gaming.

The government’s “Novo Desenrola” debt‑relief program, launched on May 9, 2026, includes an Article 16 provision that bans credit operations tied to Pix transactions for placing bets. The ban aims to close loopholes that let gamblers fund deposits with borrowed money, a practice linked to the country’s record household‑debt level of 80.4%. Enforcement remains incomplete, with major banks such as Bradesco and Banco do Brasil still permitting some credit‑based betting transactions as of mid‑May.

Separately, the Senate began debating Bill 2,470/2026, which would impose tighter restrictions on betting advertising, including limits on schedules, formats, and the use of celebrities and influencers. Lawmakers argue the measures are needed to protect minors and vulnerable consumers and to reduce gambling‑related social harms. If passed, the bill could reshape marketing strategies for operators, sports clubs, and media firms across Brazil.