Licensed betting companies used advertising boards at Brazilian football matches to protest the government’s decision to ban fixed-odds betting, warning that the measure could increase activity in the illegal market.
The action involved companies associated with the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR). During matches between São Paulo and Santos on Friday and Atlético-MG and Bragantino on Saturday, stadium boards displayed messages including “To prohibit is not to protect” and “The ban doesn’t end gambling.”
Industry Challenges Betting Ban
The campaign responds to Provisional Measure 1.394, issued on September 25. The measure prohibits the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting across Brazil, covering both sports betting and online games. (Ministry of Finance)
ANJL president Plínio Lemos Jorge said regulatory stability remains important for clubs, operators and other businesses involved in the sports industry.
IBJR president Carlos Lima similarly said changes to the regulatory framework could affect existing commercial commitments, sponsorships and investment planning.
Groups Warn of Illegal Market
In a joint manifesto, ANJL and IBJR argued that removing the regulated market could push betting demand toward unlicensed operators.
The associations cited data from Legit.bet, an ANJL monitoring platform, which identified 6,401 new illegal websites between September 22 and 28 and 811 links to those platforms on monitored channels.
The groups also claimed that illegal operators already represented 41% of betting activity before the ban and could capture the remaining demand if regulated platforms disappear. These figures represent industry estimates rather than government-confirmed market data.
Industry Calls for Regulation
ANJL and IBJR said they remain open to tighter responsible gambling measures, including deposit and time limits, stricter advertising rules, mental health support and stronger action against illegal websites.
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has already begun implementing MP 1.394. Betting websites and applications covered by the measure became subject to blocking from October 6, following the October 5 deadline for voluntary withdrawals. (Ministry of Finance)
The measure remains subject to congressional review, leaving the future of Brazil’s betting framework unresolved.
