Bill aims to ban betting sponsors – Flu among those affected | OneFootball

The cash flow and financial stability of Fluminense, as well as other major clubs in the country, is under threat. A bill aiming to eliminate any type of advertising, sponsorship, or promotion of sports betting and online gambling is currently being processed in the Senate and could bring serious consequences to the clubs. If enacted, the measure would cause a loss of about R$1.1 billion to the Série A clubs. Currently, the proposal is awaiting a rapporteur in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ).

The advertising restriction under debate in the Senate

The text, which has already passed through the Science and Technology Committee (CCT), prohibits advertisements on television, radio, newspapers, and social media, as well as banning brands on uniforms and sports broadcasts. Senator Damares Alves (Republicanos-DF), rapporteur of the substitute bill, advocates for “clear limits” to protect citizens’ mental health. The original author, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP), justifies that bonuses and advertisements lead people to see betting as an investment.

However, despite its progress, there is a clear perception behind the scenes that the President of the Chamber, Hugo Motta, is unlikely to put the issue on the agenda if it reaches the deputies – which brings a minimum of reassurance, but keeps the issue under constant tension.

Superbet’s position and the risks for Tricolor

Main sponsor of Fluminense, Superbet warns that a total ban will benefit the illegal market, which currently holds 49% of the sector. In a statement, the company said that restricting the communication of licensed operators “weakens differentiation from the clandestine market and compromises regulation.” The Tricolor’s partner highlights the need to preserve “legal security” and economic balance. In just the first half of 2025, irregular sites moved R$18,1 billion, while the government failed to collect R$4,6 billion in taxes.

Devastating financial impact for the clubs

Currently, 14 out of 20 top-tier clubs have partnerships with companies in the sector. According to Diego Bittencourt from Startbet, the ban would devastate 90% of the football industry, potentially creating a monopoly of a few giants. The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), through André Gelfi, points out that Série A clubs receive, on average, 2,6 times more in betting sponsorships than in prize money. Changing the rules “while the game is on” would drive away investors and create institutional instability.

The master sponsorship market in Brazil

The sector injected R$1 billion into national football this year. While Flamengo leads revenues with R$268 million from Betano and Corinthians renewed with Esportes da Sorte for R$150 million, the market signals a ceiling. Guilherme Figueiredo, from Betano, believes that the trend now is for adjustment and reduction in contract values. For Tricolor, maintaining these resources is vital for strategic management and sporting competitiveness, since betting companies now dominate not only the shirts but also the naming rights of competitions and stadiums.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.