TITLE: Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul Restricts Sports Betting Advertising and Protects Minors
BODY:
On April 24, 2026, Governor Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul signed Law No. 16.508, which establishes comprehensive restrictions on advertising for sports betting platforms in the state. The legislation was published in the Official State Gazette on April 27, 2026, and came into effect immediately upon publication.
The law aims to protect consumers, safeguard children and adolescents, support vulnerable individuals, and prevent pathological gambling and over-indebtedness. It applies definitions established in Federal Law No. 14.790 (December 29, 2023) and Federal Law No. 13.756 (December 12, 2018).
Key provisions include mandatory warning phrases displayed prominently in advertisements, with minimum font size equivalent to 15 percent of total advertisement area. Required warnings state: "Gambling can cause addiction and harm to you and your family," "Gambling can lead to over-indebtedness," and "Participation by minors under 18 years of age is prohibited." Advertisements must include information about gambling addiction risks and treatment channels.
Audiovisual advertising on free-to-air television, pay television, streaming platforms, and radio is restricted to 21:00 to 06:00 hours. Advertising is prohibited near schools, daycare centres, and educational institutions. Content directed at minors through animations, mascots, fictional characters, or artificial intelligence is prohibited. Sports sponsorships by betting platforms are limited to simple brand identification on uniforms and equipment.
The Consumer Protection Superintendency (PROCON-RS) enforces the legislation. Penalties include warnings, fines under the Consumer Protection Code, counter-advertising requirements, temporary advertising suspension (30 to 180 days), and potential cancellation of state registration for repeated offenses. Fine revenues fund the State Consumer Protection Fund and pathological gambling prevention programmes.
Companies operating in Rio Grande do Sul have 120 days from publication to comply with the new requirements.