Flávio Dino upholds Minas Gerais ban on betting ads in public spaces

Flávio Dino, a minister of the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), has denied a preliminary injunction request to suspend a decree from the government of Minas Gerais that restricts the advertising of betting companies, adult content platforms, and sexual services. The decree, issued by Governor Mateus Simões, prohibits the promotion, sponsorship, and commercial advertising of these sectors in state-owned public spaces and in events promoted or supported by the state executive.

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) challenged the decree, arguing that the state had overstepped its authority and invaded the federal government's exclusive competence to legislate on commercial advertising. However, Minister Dino ruled that the restrictions are limited to the administration of state assets and resources, which falls under the state's autonomy and administrative discretion.

In his decision, Dino cited risks associated with the betting sector, including money laundering, organized crime, and family indebtedness, referencing findings from the 'CPI das Bets'. He emphasized that there is no acquired right for private companies to receive public sponsorship and that the state has the authority to prioritize its spending to protect constitutional values such as public health, consumer defense, and family protection.