Several high-profile operators are facing legal action in Rio de Janeiro. Betting ads continue to be a particularly contentious issue in Brazil’s regulated market.
The ANJL or National Association of Games and Lotteries has lashed out at the DPRJ or Rio de Janeiro Public Defender’s Office. The DPRJ has filed a lawsuit against 43 online betting operators over ads it believes are misleading.
The DPRJ announced on July 20 that it had filed a Public Civil Action (ACP) against operators. It claims their advertising omitted essential information about the risks of betting. The office is seeking BRL 300 million, or $53.9 million, in damages.
The Consumer Defence Centre, a specialized department within the DPRJ, urged immediate measures to protect bettors and ensure greater transparency from betting companies.
Yet, the ANJL has hit back, asserting the claims made in the ACP are unfounded. They warn the action could in fact harm bettors through making it harder to identify between licensed and illegal operators.
The National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) established ethical standards for betting advertising in Brazil in 2023. In response, the ANJL highlighted the creation of a working group to support these efforts.
ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge said regulated betting houses already adopt all necessary measures for responsible and transparent gambling advertising. Therefore, the Public Defender’s Office’s claim in the lawsuit makes no sense. Its arguments apply only to the illegal market. Therefore, the ANJL will act to provide the necessary clarifications in the proceedings.
The defendants in the lawsuit include some of the largest licensed operators in Brazil. These include Betano, Bet365, and Esportes da Sorte.
According to Central Bank data, the BRL300 million figure represents 1% of the estimated BRL30 billion in monthly betting transactions in Brazil. The money will fund the prevention and treatment of betting addictions.
