TLDR Rio de Janeiro became the first Brazilian state capital to ban sports betting ads in public spaces under Decree No. 58,274. The city decree followed new federal rules restricting how betting operators can advertise nationwide. Interministerial Ordinance No. 73 bans ads that portray betting as a financial opportunity or income source. A separate ordinance requires new warning labels on betting ads starting July 17. Regulators are investigating broadcasters and operators over ads shown during live sports events, including World Cup coverage.
A sports betting billboard near Rio de Janeiro’s Siqueira Campos Metro station was taken down this week. In its place, the city put up a banner explaining that the ad had been removed under a new municipal rule.
The banner also warned that online betting can lead to addiction, debt, and family breakdown.
This marks the start of a new city policy. Rio de Janeiro is now the first Brazilian state capital to ban sports betting ads in public spaces.
The rule, Decree No. 58,274, was published Monday in the city’s official gazette. It blocks betting promotions on street furniture, at city events, and anywhere ads need municipal approval.
Federal Rules Add New Restrictions
The city ban came just days after Brazil’s federal government rolled out its own stricter marketing rules for betting companies.
One rule, Interministerial Ordinance No. 73, bans ads that describe betting as a financial opportunity or a way to earn extra income. It also targets ads that push people to bet right away, including live sports commentary meant to encourage wagers during a game.
A second rule, Ordinance No. 1,964, adds new label requirements. Starting July 17, betting ads must state that gambling is not an investment and can lead to financial loss.
Investigations Into Broadcast Advertising
Regulators have also opened