TLDR
- São Paulo’s top football clubs met with betting companies on September 11 to discuss a proposed advertising ban.
- Bill 560/2025 would stop betting operators from advertising at events inside São Paulo city.
- Violations could bring fines up to R$50,000 and event suspensions of up to two years.
- Sponsorship deals with betting firms bring Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo about R$350 million a year combined.
- Clubs worry the city-only rule could put them at a financial disadvantage against teams elsewhere in Brazil.
Football clubs in São Paulo are speaking out against a new bill that could limit betting advertising in their city. Representatives met with betting industry executives on Friday, September 11, at the headquarters of the São Paulo Football Federation.
The meeting brought together officials from five clubs. Corinthians, Palmeiras, São Paulo, Santos and Juve de Mooca all sent representatives to discuss the issue.
Bill Would Ban Betting Ads at Events
The proposal at the center of the talks is Bill 560/2025. It was written by city councilor João Jorge of the MDB party.
The bill would make it illegal for betting operators to advertise at events held inside São Paulo. This includes signs, banners and panels placed at sports venues.
It would also cover other forms of promotion tied to betting brands. The rule would apply specifically within city limits.
Poder360 reported that the São Paulo City Council could vote on the bill as early as next week. The proposal has already received support from council committees.
Two votes are still needed before the bill can move forward. It would need to pass through the full council and then reach Mayor Ricardo Nunes for a final decision.
Penalties for breaking the rule would be steep. Violators could face fines of up to R$50,000.
Event organizers could also lose their right to hold events for up to two years. This applies to repeat or serious violations.
Clubs Warn About Lost Revenue
Betting companies have become major sponsors for Brazilian football clubs in recent years. Many deals cover team kits and in-stadium advertising during matches.
According to Globo Esporte, sponsorship contracts between betting firms and Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo bring in roughly R$350 million a year. That figure reflects how much these partnerships matter to club budgets.
Club officials say losing the ability to advertise could hurt more than just signage revenue. It could also make it harder to negotiate or renew sponsorship deals altogether.
Clubs are also raising concerns about fairness. Since the bill would only apply within São Paulo city, teams based there could end up at a disadvantage.
Clubs in other Brazilian cities and states would not face the same restrictions. That means they could keep earning betting sponsorship money without limits.
Officials at the meeting said this could create an uneven playing field. São Paulo clubs might generate less sponsorship income than rivals in other regions.
Brazil’s betting rules are still developing at both the city and national level. This local proposal adds another layer to that shifting regulatory picture.
For now, clubs and betting companies are watching to see when the bill reaches the council floor. A vote could come as soon as next week, according to Poder360.
