Federal Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) has introduced a bill to the Chamber of Deputies aiming to regulate digital influencers who promote gambling websites and online casinos in Brazil. The purpose of the proposal is to establish clear rules for them to use their platforms responsibly and transparently when promoting bets.
Among the main requirements of the bill is the obligation to obtain certification from the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), similar to that required for independent investment agents.
“The certification will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance and must include mandatory training on the risks of betting, including the presentation of real cases of bankruptcy, suicide, and family separation resulting from gambling addiction, to ensure that the influencer has full knowledge of the implications of promoting these activities”, states the project.
Specific rules for advertising
According to the bill, the advertisements made by influencers must be directed exclusively to adults over 18 years old, using specific tools from social networks to restrict access to the adult audience. Moreover, the advertising campaigns must include explicit warnings about the risks associated with betting, with the aim of raising public awareness.
If they fail to comply with the proposed rules, influencers will be subject to penalties similar to those applied to independent investment agents by the CVM. Fines can range from R$ 10,000, in cases of minor infractions, to up to R$ 1 million in severe situations.
Responsibility and transparency
“This project emerges as a necessary and urgent response to the numerous cases of digital influencers promoting online betting without proper regulation and transparency. By equating influencers to independent investment agents, the text aims to bring greater responsibility to these figures, who have significant influence over the public, especially the younger and more vulnerable”, explained Eduardo Bolsonaro in the document accompanying the bill.
The text is available for public consultation on the Chamber of Deputies' portal and will proceed to the responsible committees for analysis before being forwarded for voting.
If approved, the project could mark an important step in the regulation of digital advertising related to the betting market in Brazil.
Source: GMB
