Brazil betting ban sets October 5 sponsorship deadline for football clubs

Brazilian football clubs face an October 5 deadline to remove betting sponsorship material after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure banning fixed-odds betting on September 25. Brazil's Health Ministry confirmed that the restrictions cover sports wagers and online games, including operations authorised at state level.

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The financial exposure is substantial. According to UOL Esporte, betting companies are the main shirt sponsors of 14 of the 20 clubs in Brazil's Série A. Citing clubs' 2025 financial statements, the outlet reported that sponsorship from the sector totalled 1.14 billion reais and represented 7.9% of club revenue.

The industry's presence also extends beyond individual teams. UOL reported that Betano sponsors both the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil, with naming rights included in those agreements. Betting brands additionally buy pitchside advertising and television exposure, while some companies hold stadium naming-rights deals, including at Bahia's Arena Fonte Nova.

The Health Ministry said companies have until October 5 to remove advertising and sponsorship material displayed in physical settings and outdoor advertising. The measure prohibits the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting, but leaves other lottery categories already permitted by law outside its scope.

The government's timetable blocks new deposits from September 25 and allows customers to withdraw balances until 11:59 p.m. on October 5. Betting websites and apps are due to go offline from October 6. Banks are scheduled to return remaining customer funds between October 9 and 14, according to the ministry.

For clubs, the deadline falls between rounds of domestic competition. UOL reported that Série A is currently paused for the international window and will resume before October 5. The first top-flight fixtures after the deadline are scheduled for October 7 and 8 as part of the competition's 29th round.

The measure still faces a congressional decision. UOL reported that it initially lasts 60 days and can be extended for another 60 while lawmakers consider it. Separately, the Health Ministry said the government has prepared a bill creating criminal offences linked to fixed-odds betting; that proposal is distinct from the provisional restrictions already announced.