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A major legal dispute has erupted in Brazil’s regulated betting market, as the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) strongly criticises a lawsuit filed by the Rio de Janeiro Public Defender’s Office (DPRJ). The lawsuit targets 43 online betting operators, accusing them of running misleading advertisements.
On July 20, the DPRJ announced the filing of a Public Civil Action (ACP), demanding BRL300 million (approximately $53.9 million) in damages. The core accusation is that operators failed to include essential warnings about the risks of gambling in their marketing materials.
Consumer Protection vs Industry Practices
The lawsuit stems from the DPRJ’s Consumer Defence Centre, a specialised department focused on protecting consumer rights. The center argues for urgent reforms in advertising to protect bettors and increase transparency.
However, the ANJL pushed back firmly, calling the accusations in the lawsuit baseless. The association believes the legal action could confuse the public further, making it harder to distinguish legal operators from unlicensed ones.
They also pointed to a working group launched by the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) in 2023, designed to define ethical advertising standards for the betting sector.
“All necessary measures for responsible and transparent gambling advertising are already adopted by regulated betting houses,”
stated ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge. He added that the lawsuit’s claims only apply to illegal operators and vowed that the ANJL would contribute clarifications during the legal process.
DPRJ Aims to Curb Gambling Misconceptions
The lawsuit names some of Brazil’s most recognized betting brands. The BRL300 million figure corresponds to 1% of the estimated BRL30 billion in monthly betting transactions across the country, as per Central Bank data. If successful, the funds would be directed toward gambling addiction prevention and treatment.
One of the DPRJ’s key demands is the removal of the commonly used slogan “Play responsibly,” which it claims is too vague. They are calling for more explicit messages warning of the dangers of gambling.
Public Defender General Paulo Vinícus Cozzolino Abrahão argued that many people mistakenly believe gambling can be a reliable source of income.
“Gambling is a game of chance, not luck. We need to raise this awareness,”
he said, comparing the issue to past campaigns against cigarette advertising.
Advertising Rules Under Fire
Betting-related advertising continues to be a contentious subject in Brazil. In May, the Brazilian Senate approved strict new rules governing when and how betting can be promoted.
The proposed regulations include a ban on betting ads during live sports broadcasts and prohibit the use of public figures such as celebrities and influencers. Advertising would only be allowed between 7:30pm and midnight on digital and televised media. Radio slots would be restricted to 9–11am and 5–7:30pm, while print ads would be banned outright.
The bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration. Critics within the industry argue that excessive restrictions could drive bettors toward unregulated platforms.
Udo Seckelmann, head of gambling and crypto at Bichara e Motta Advogados, voiced concerns over the new ad rules in an interview with igamingbusiness.com, saying they “lack evidence-based support.” He argued that thoughtful regulation, rather than blanket bans, is more effective in protecting consumers.
Source: igamingbusiness.com
