Bill to ban betting advertisements advances in the city of São Paulo

The attempt to ban advertising for sports betting has entered a new chapter in the city of São Paulo with the advancement of Bill (PL) 560/2025. The text, which provides for fines of R$ 50,000 and even the suspension of business licenses for 30 days, directly targets the display of betting brands during sporting events and in spaces managed by the municipality, such as stadiums, sports arenas, and public transport buses. How the ban on betting advertising affects the market and the economy The economic justification for the restriction is the massive diversion of income. Data attached to the proposal reveal that “more than R$ 100 billion failed to circulate in the retail sector in 2024 due to the diversion of funds to online betting sites.” Councilman João Jorge (MDB), the author of the measure, highlighted in the document that “the majority of bettors belong to families with a monthly income of up to three minimum wages, which underscores the economic vulnerability of the primary users of these services.” The bill mandates that the money collected from financial penalties be allocated to the treatment of gambling addiction. The core idea requires the city government to create awareness-raising initiatives regarding the activity. City councilors approve the text in the first round of voting and plan to expand restrictions. Initial approval took place via a voice vote at the City Council last Wednesday (23), in the first round of voting.. During the plenary session, the author celebrated the progress. “The São Paulo City Council has just sent a message loud and clear to Brasília and to Brazil,” he said. The lawmaker promised to toughen the text before the final vote. We can even extend the ban to prevent betting companies from appearing on players’ jerseys as well. “We cannot ban advertising in private settings, such as bars, but we can ban it on street furniture, such as public buildings,” he explained. Other lawmakers echoed the concern regarding the social crisis. Fabio Riva (MDB) emphasized: “We cannot allow the dream of easy money to lead workers to lose their wages, their dignity, and even their children’s livelihood.” In this regard, Luana Alves (PSOL) argued that “all of this is detrimental to the population, to the mental health of young people, and to the Brazilian economy.” Finally, Renata Falzoni (PSB) summed up the sentiment of the House by declaring that “no one deserves to work and throw away their money—the product of their labor—as is happening now.” O post Bill to ban betting advertisements advances in the city of São Paulo apareceu primeiro em iGaming Brazil.