A new decree issued by the Prize and Betting Secretariat (SPA) has immediately implemented a series of advertising measures, with only a few weeks left until the legal market is launched.
Normative Decree No. 1902 has immediately adopted a series of restrictions specified in Normative Decree No. 1231 passed in July, which mainly target how gambling operators advertise in Brazil.
In November, the Federal Supreme Court (STF) held a two-day hearing to investigate the impact of gambling on the Brazilian population, preliminarily deciding to ban advertisements targeting minors.
The issuance of Normative Decree No. 1902 means that certain aspects of Normative Decree No. 1231 are now in effect. All other measures not specified in the decree will take effect on January 1, 2025, which is the launch date of the legal market in Brazil.
What measures has Brazil taken?
The decree immediately brings into effect four sections of Article 12 of Normative Decree No. 1231.
The law prohibits advertisements targeting children or adolescents, as well as advertisements through channels primarily viewed by audiences under 18.
Advertisements using children's images or elements "specially attractive" to minors are also banned. Additionally, in Brazil, gambling cannot be associated with youth cultural activities.
Article 13, Section 1 is also now in effect. All communications from operators must now display age restrictions, marked with the "18+" symbol or information stating "prohibited for persons under 18."
Brazil has also enacted Section 17, Subsection 2 of the law, prohibiting gambling operators from sponsoring children and encouraging youth gambling.
The law also prohibits companies from sponsoring children's teams or activities primarily aimed at adolescents.
For these measures, immediate implementation of inspection, monitoring, and sanction rules will be enforced to ensure SPA compliance.
For all other advertising restrictions, operators will only face scrutiny from January 1 onwards.
