Corinthians Refuse To Drop Betting Sponsor Despite Brazil Licensing Rules

Brazil’s clubs are proving reluctant to give up their betting sponsors despite the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) saying it will enforce a ban on club sponsorship by bookmakers across all levels of Brazilian football who do not hold state betting licenses.

Corinthians, who have a deal with Esportes da Sorte, are refusing to drop their sponsorship despite the bookmaker not holding a licence in the state of São Paulo.

Esportes da Sorte does have a registration in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where it holds a five-year licence with the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (LOTERJ).

Until recently that lottery license enabled bookmakers to operate in other states. However, this has been the subject of legal dispute with LOTERJ obtaining an injunction enabling firms to continue operating nationally under its licences, before that decision was suspended in a federal court on October 5.

Corinthians argue that the club “is authorised to continue displaying the Esportes da Sorte brand, according to the current contract, which continues to be fully complied with by the parties”, and is not backing down.

For the moment the CBF has now granted an exception for companies licensed by LOTERJ. Though with the federal government eager for cash and taxes from better regulated gambling market, they may be pressured to change position on this again.

Brazil set to launch nationwide regulation of its gaming market in January 2024