Brazil’s National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) said it will take legal measures against a Rio de Janeiro municipal decree restricting sports-betting advertising. The association argues that federal rules should govern the sector and says it will seek to uphold federal advertising regulations.
A legal challenge could test the municipal authority to restrict advertising in a federally regulated betting market.
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Rio de Janeiro’s city council approved the first reading of bill PL 3667/2024 on 4 November, proposing a programme to prevent harm from online betting and gambling disorder. The proposal includes a permanent awareness campaign, bars sports-betting advertising aimed at children and adolescents, and is due to return for a second vote.
In a first discussion held on Wednesday (04/11), Rio's city chamber passed PL 3667/2024. Its purpose is to establish a programme for preventing the effects of online betting and for fighting ludopathy. The project will go back on the agenda for a second vote.
Rio de Janeiro's state legislature (Alerj) approved, in a second reading on 14 October, Bill 6.343/25 by deputy Fred Pacheco. It sets guidelines for mental health care for people with compulsive use of electronic and gambling games, covering multiprofessional care, prevention, therapeutic follow-up and support for patients and families. The bill now goes to the state government, which has up to 15 working days to sign or veto it.
Rio de Janeiro's state legislature, Alerj, approved Bill 6.343/25 in a second reading on 14 October, according to the assembly. The bill sets guidelines for mental health care for people with compulsive use of electronic and gambling games. It now goes to the state government, which has up to 15 working days to sign or veto it.
Rio de Janeiro’s municipal health department introduced screening for betting dependency at primary-care clinics in August 2026. In the first week, 3,070 patients answered the questions: 22 said they felt a need to bet, and 15 said they had concealed gambling expenditure from family. A positive response triggers further assessment and care, with support also available to relatives.
LOTERJ president Fabíola Esteves highlighted Rio de Janeiro’s defence of video lottery terminal regulation. Speaking at GAT Brasil, she referred to the state government’s position supporting the constitutionality of its 2025 decree.
It was reported that acting Rio de Janeiro governor Ricardo Couto authorised R$20m in Loterj football sponsorship. The authorisation covers Campeonato Carioca competitions, youth football and women’s football.