The proposal, introduced by Civic Coalition deputy Mónica Frade, cleared the Chamber of Deputies on November 27, 2024, by 139 votes to 36 with 59 abstentions, but has been waiting for Senate approval ever since. On October 29, senators unanimously backed a motion from Lucía Corpacci to give the bill priority, although that step does not guarantee a vote, and the Health, General Legislation, and Justice and Criminal Affairs committees have not yet set a date to debate it.
The Episcopal Commission for Social Ministry (CEPAS) has launched a petition in support of the bill and wrote to senators in October urging them to act, while deputies led by Victoria Tolosa Paz have asked to meet the Senate committees handling the proposal.
The Episcopal Commission for Social Ministry said:
“Doing nothing is also a decision.”
The bill would ban online gambling ads on TV, radio and social media, including promotion by influencers, athletes and celebrities, as well as sports sponsorships, stadium naming rights, kit advertising and promotion at concerts and festivals, with an exception for licensed gambling venues and lottery outlets. It would also prohibit welcome bonuses and credit card payments, require facial recognition checks linked to the national population register, RENAPER, at registration, login, during play and before winnings are paid, and create a national self-exclusion register.
If the Senate doesn’t act by November 30, the bill keeps its parliamentary status until March 1, 2027, but could only move forward this year if the government adds it to the agenda for extraordinary sessions, and any changes made by senators would send it back to the Chamber of Deputies.
