The Ministry of Sport launched this week (18) an awareness campaign about sports betting aimed at the 2026 World Cup.
Released on social media, the initiative aims to guide Brazilians on responsible betting practices and warn about the risks of using unauthorized platforms.
The action is carried out by the National Secretariat for Sports Betting and Economic Development of Sport (SNAEDE) in partnership with the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets of the Ministry of Finance (SPA-MF), agencies responsible for regulating and monitoring the sector in the country.
In the campaign’s main video on its Instagram account (@esportegovbr), the Ministry reinforces that betting should not be seen as an investment or source of income. The message also highlights the importance of checking whether a company is authorized to operate in Brazil and warns about the risks of illegal platforms.
“The World Cup is a time to cheer, celebrate and enjoy sport. If you decide to bet, do so consciously. Betting is not an investment, it is not a source of income, and it should not compromise your budget or your family,” states the Ministry of Sport in the post published on its official Instagram profile.
The content also emphasizes the ministry’s role in protecting sporting integrity. According to the Ministry, the work is carried out in cooperation with public agencies, sports entities, and oversight institutions to prevent match-fixing and strengthen society’s trust in competitions.
The campaign advises bettors to use only authorized sites, stating that the use of irregular platforms increases risks for consumers and weakens the regulated environment.
The initiative was well received by experts and representatives of the betting industry. For Tiago Horta Barbosa, head of integrity at Genius Sports and a member of ITTF Integrity, the campaign shows that the issue has been receiving attention from authorities.
“The government is working on the topic, and I think it’s relevant that they show that this issue of responsible gambling is important and is on their radar,” he said.
Erich Beting, director of Máquina do Esporte, considers the action positive but argues that it should be expanded. “I believe it would need to become an awareness practice as big as what happened with the alcoholic beverage market in the past.”
“The campaign helps draw attention, but it would need to be tied to a major awareness campaign, especially since betting companies are present in all World Cup match broadcasts,” he assessed.
The opinion reflects recognition of the importance of educating bettors at a time of great public engagement with football during the 2026 World Cup.