Brazilian paediatric groups seek input on online betting ban debate
Regulation2 min read
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and Brazilian Academy of Pediatrics want their views considered in debate over Brazil’s online betting ban, the groups said. They plan to send a document to the Supreme Federal Court and Congress and seek a chance to speak at public hearings, citing concerns about children’s access, advertising and potential harms to families.
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and the Brazilian Academy of Pediatrics want to participate in the debate on Brazil's online betting ban and support keeping Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, the groups said. They are expected to send a document to the Supreme Federal Court and Congress this week, asking for their arguments on risks to children's and adolescents' health and development to be considered.
The measure prohibited the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting in Brazil, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics said. The groups cited ease of access to digital platforms, betting's association with sport and advertising that presents gambling as an opportunity for financial gain. The paediatricians said those factors could affect impulse control and the assessment of consequences. The society said family debt could divert money intended for food, education and healthcare to betting, affecting children and adolescents who do not gamble.
The Supreme Federal Court held a public hearing on the measure on 3 November, with gambling sector bodies, sports organisations, public officials and specialists taking part. Topics included the ban's effects on the regulated market, bettor protection, sports funding and efforts to combat unlicensed betting.
The paediatricians are seeking a chance to speak at congressional public hearings on the measure, the society said. It said the specialists hope to present data and arguments to the joint committee that will discuss the measure, which has yet to be formed.