Brazil proposes strict betting age and spending limits

Brazilian Senator Humberto Costa introduced Bill 3.754/2025 targeting fixed-odds betting operators. Costa represents the same political party as Finance Minister Fernando Haddad.

The senator has stated he agrees with Haddad’s previously expressed position that betting ideally wouldn’t be legal in Brazil. However, Costa acknowledged the sector requires tight regulation given its current presence in the country.

The bill specifically targets operators running fixed-odds betting platforms in Brazil’s emerging gambling market.

Why Lawmakers Want Stricter Gambling Controls

The legislation addresses concerns about excessive gambling and compulsive behaviour among Brazilian bettors. Costa cited the goal of reducing over-indebtedness and gambling addiction risks.

The bill focuses particularly on protecting young and vulnerable users from gambling-related harm. Lawmakers point to what they describe as widespread advertising issues in the current market.

Recent operator conduct has drawn regulatory scrutiny. An official complaint was filed against operator Blaze for allegedly targeting children through influencer content.

The measure seeks to address what Costa describes as the social impacts of widespread gambling advertising across Brazil.

What the Proposed Legislation Contains

The bill would raise Brazil’s legal betting age from 18 to 21 years. This represents a three-year increase from current requirements.

Monthly spending would be capped at one minimum wage, currently BR1,412 ($270). The Ministry of Finance would gain authority to set additional daily and weekly wagering limits.

Advertising restrictions would ban betting promotions between 6am and 10pm. This prohibition includes internet platforms and digital advertising.

The bill would forbid operator sponsorships of public cultural, sports or entertainment events. This restriction applies regardless of the funding source for such events.

All fixed-odds betting operators currently licensed in Brazil would need to comply with these new requirements if the legislation passes.

How This Affects Brazil’s Betting Industry

The proposed measures would create some of Brazil’s most restrictive betting regulations. The spending caps could significantly impact operator revenue streams.

Current advertising strategies would require complete overhaul under the proposed restrictions. Many operators currently rely on digital marketing and sports sponsorships.

The legislation faces review by Brazil’s legislature before potential approval. Industry stakeholders will likely respond to the proposed changes during this process.

The bill emerges as Brazil debates new betting tax rules under broader finance reform discussions. Multiple regulatory changes are under consideration for the sector.

The Blaze complaint may indicate increased enforcement scrutiny of operator advertising practices. Other operators could face similar regulatory review of their marketing approaches.