Brazillian Senator proposes sweeping gambling reforms

An increased age limit, a spending cap and stricter marketing controls are on the table for a major reform of Brazillian regulated gambling.

Brazil is moving towards stricter rules on online betting after a new bill was introduced by Senator Humberto Costa.

The proposal, known as Bill 3754/25, sets out changes designed to protect young people and limit the risks of problem gambling.

Brazil has only had a regulated gambling market since the start of the year, and is already looking to bring in sweeping changes. 

The most striking change would raise the legal age for betting from 18 to 21. Marketing that targets anyone under the age of 21 would be completely banned.

There would also be a cap on how much players can deposit each month, limited to the value of one minimum wage, with the government able to set additional weekly or daily limits if needed.

Advertising is another major focus. The bill would restrict betting adverts to late-night hours and prevent operators from sponsoring sporting, cultural or educational events. 

Senator Costa described the bill as a response to serious social problems linked to betting. He said, “This bill is not just a piece of legislation; it is a wake-up call against a true social epidemic, which affects, above all, our young people… not trapped in screens that promise easy fortune, but deliver ruin, debt, and despair.”