Brazil’s betting sector could soon face fresh restrictions after Senator Humberto Costa proposes a bill to raise the legal betting age to 21 and cap player spending.

Bill 3754/2025, filed this week in the Senate, would lift the age limit from 18 and restrict monthly deposits to the value of one minimum wage. The Ministry of Finance would also be able to set extra daily and weekly limits.

Meanwhile, the proposal takes aim at betting promotion too. Humberto seeks to ban adverts between 6am-10pm and block operator sponsorship of public sports, cultural, artistic or festival events, regardless of whether they receive state funding. 

On the other hand, ads aimed at under-21s would be banned entirely. Costa said such measures are needed to tackle the social harm linked to Brazil’s still young betting market, overseen by the ‘Bets’ regulatory regime.

He said, as reported by SBC Noticias – Brasil: “In July, a son killed his own mother in Minas Gerais over debts from Bet. Money meant for groceries, local markets, and small businesses is being drained into Bets. 

“Many young people of university age are either delaying enrolment or dropping out of college because their tuition money is being spent on gambling, even with the support of Fies (Student Financing Fund).”

The senator added that “Bets should not even exist,” citing the societal impact of the new regulated betting market.

Brazil’s market has expanded rapidly since the market was launched on 1 January 2025 – but growth has brought tighter rules.

Earlier this year, the Senate passed a ban on influencer and athlete endorsements, in-stadium ads and betting spots during live sports, for example.

Could new rules slow things down?

Brazil’s betting market is booming – valued at around BRL 5bn (£680m) in 2025 and, as stated above, it is growing fast.

Industry insiders warn that raising the legal age to 21 and capping monthly spending might push some players towards unregulated or illegal sites, which already make up 20-30% of the market.

On the other hand, consumer advocates back the move, saying it is needed to protect vulnerable groups. Around 10% of young Brazilians aged 18-24 already bet regularly, and problem gambling rates have been climbing.