The Brazilian government has recently initiated administrative investigations against 35 gambling companies accused of illegally offering and selling betting services for the São Paulo Youth Football Cup (Copinha) — a youth championship organized by the São Paulo Football Federation. This news was first reported by "São Paulo Page Newspaper".
According to current Brazilian law, betting is strictly prohibited in lower-tier football leagues and youth events. In December 2024, the Ministry of Finance issued a technical note further clarifying the prohibition of betting on the King's Cup and strictly limiting gambling companies from sponsoring the event through jersey advertising or broadcast inserts.
Regis Dudena, the Minister of Gambling at the Ministry of Finance, stated during an interview on the "C-Level Entrevista" program: "Some gambling companies have independently launched so-called 'Copinha' gambling products, even targeting individuals under 21. We are studying possible penalties." He also emphasized that the involved companies have the right to defend themselves, but once the violation is confirmed, they will face sanctions.
The administrative investigation process is divided into two stages: first, the internal regulatory body will require the involved companies to submit explanations; if the response is not accepted, the case will be transferred to the sub-secretariat for evidence review, debate assessment, and penalty decision. Sanctioned companies can still appeal progressively until submission to the SPA Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the regulation of gambling advertising continues to attract attention. According to "Global Newspaper", during the World Cup in March this year, the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) dealt with 32 cases of illegal gambling advertisements, involving sideline billboards, children's channel advertising implants, and the insertion of virtual betting information during broadcasts.
The technical note from the department specifically warns of the risks of tying youth sports events to gambling: "Copinha should never become a platform that links young athletes to the gambling market, even indirectly encouraging minors to participate in betting can lead to risky behavior, addiction, or even debt issues."
