Ceará legislature considers ban on state betting sponsorships

The Legislative Assembly of Ceará (Alece) has begun analyzing a bill that would prohibit the state government from entering into sponsorship contracts with sports betting companies and gambling entities. Proposed by Assembly President Romeu Aldigueri, the legislation aims to amend existing state sponsorship policies to exclude companies that promote betting, gambling, or unofficial lotteries, including those operating via digital platforms and apps.

Aldigueri justified the proposal by citing social and financial risks, specifically noting concerns regarding mental health, family financial stability, and the potential for gambling addiction (ludopathy). The bill also highlights risks to children and adolescents, school dropout rates, and money laundering. If passed, the ban would apply to all direct and indirect state administration bodies, including autarchies, foundations, public companies, and mixed-capital societies.