The Public Defender’s Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro has filed a lawsuit against 43 online sports betting companies. The case accuses them of misleading advertising and failure to warn users about the risks of gambling addiction. This lawsuit demands at least R$300 million in compensation for collective moral damages. Filed by the Consumer Protection Unit (Nudecon), it calls for measures to protect users and improve transparency.

The DPRJ criticises vague slogans like “Play responsibly” and requires the inclusion of explicit warnings about addiction and financial loss. The case’s primary targets are major platforms, including Betano, bet365, Pixbet, Esportes da Sorte, and MrJack.bet. According to the DPRJ, these companies present betting as a cool activity through celebrity and athlete endorsements. Therefore, many players view betting as a form of investment rather than a high-risk activity.

Gambling Is a Game of Chance

Chief Public Defender Paulo Vinícus Cozzolino Abrahão stressed that the public is being misled. “Many people see gambling as a kind of investment. That belief is mistaken and comes from misleading ads, Gambling is not a financial product. It’s a game of chance”, he said.

Abrahão compared the situation to anti-smoking campaigns in the 1990s, where strong public messaging shifted how society viewed cigarettes. He believes the same urgency must be applied to online betting.

According to the Central Bank, the R$300 million requested represents 1% of the R$30 billion wagered in Brazil monthly. These funds will support treatment and education efforts to prevent gambling-related harm.

Low-Income Groups Most at Risk

Luciana Telles, coordinator of Nudecon, stated that betting-related debt is growing rapidly. “We’re seeing more people every day coming to us for help with gambling-related debt; this is now a central issue in consumer protection.” She also stated that the lawsuit is primarily aimed at raising public awareness. 

Deputy coordinator Tathiane Campos added that low-income groups are the most affected. “Classes C, D, and E often see betting as a way to earn extra income; they’re drawn in by promises of easy money and end up in serious debt,” she said.

Call for Regulation and Consumer Support

The DPRJ is calling for new rules to protect users, including setting betting limits, implementing late-night blocks, and providing detailed betting history dashboards. The lawsuit also demands that each platform be held individually responsible for consumer harm. So, affected users can seek direct compensation.

The Public Defender’s Office offers unwavering support for those in debt through the “Defensoria RJ” app and the 129 helpline. Services include guidance for people facing financial harm caused by gambling.