Survey reveals 58% of Brazilians link sports betting to match-fixing risk
2026-07-17
Source: Global Gaming Insider
A new survey by More in Common and Ipsos-Ipec finds that 58% of Brazilians associate sports betting with increased match-fixing risk, while 68% support banning betting sponsorships in football. Industry figures call for caution and emphasize responsible advertising over prohibition.
A new survey conducted by More in Common in partnership with Ipsos-Ipec has found that a significant portion of the Brazilian public views sports betting as a threat to football integrity. According to the research, 58% of respondents believe that betting activity substantially increases the likelihood of match-fixing in Brazilian football, reflecting a growing unease about the industry's influence on the sport.
The survey also examined attitudes toward betting sponsorship in football. 68% of those surveyed agreed that such sponsorship should be banned, arguing that gambling harms fans and families. In contrast, only 19% of respondents felt sponsorship should continue, citing its role in providing vital financial support to clubs.
These opinions appear to cut across political lines. Among voters who identified as left-wing, 65% supported a ban on betting sponsorships, while 72% of right-wing supporters held the same view. The findings suggest that concerns over gambling's impact on football are not confined to any single political faction.
Industry response and calls for caution
Reacting to the results, Bernardo Cavalcanti Freire, legal adviser to the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), acknowledged the public sentiment but warned against drawing hasty conclusions. "This finding, however, does not lead to the conclusion that the solution is to restrict or prohibit advertising or the activity. On the contrary. It reinforces the importance of responsible and educational advertising, carried out exclusively by authorized operators," he said.
Carlos Lima, President of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), echoed the recognition of integrity concerns. "One of the challenges we face today is how to effectively maintain sporting integrity. Registered operators work constantly to protect the integrity of competitions. It's a concern for everyone. It's a relevant issue for fans and the government," he noted.
Both industry representatives emphasized that the survey's results highlight the need for ongoing education and responsible advertising, not outright bans, as the industry continues to mature in Brazil.