The Public Prosecutor's Office of São Paulo demands that the City Hall take measures against advertising betting at events with minors.
The Public Prosecutor's Office of São Paulo has requested information from the city government regarding actions to protect children and adolescents from advertising by betting companies at NBA House 2026 and Arena Brasileira 2026. This request is part of a class-action lawsuit filed by businessman Giancarlo Gariglia, founder of Emerson Health, a clinic specializing in the treatment of gambling addiction.
According to information from Monica Bergamo in Folha de S.Paulo, the Municipal Attorney General's Office reported that it has not yet been notified and is awaiting official communication to analyze the case.
The ministerial body's statement demands details of the measures taken by the municipal administration to prevent minors from being exposed to advertising from betting companies at the two events held in the city. The class action lawsuit challenges the presence of betting brands at events that receive support or authorization from public authorities and are attended by minors.
The Public Prosecutor's Office of São Paulo bases its request on the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. The agency also cites Law No. 14.790/2023, which prohibits advertising of bets directed at minors under 18 years of age. The statement also mentions recent decisions of the Supreme Federal Court regarding the protection of children and adolescents in the face of the expansion of the betting market.
The Public Prosecutor's Office document prohibits the display of betting logos in family or children's/teenagers' spaces, including stages, play areas, and breastfeeding areas. It also prohibits the distribution of gifts or bonuses to minors under 18 years of age that encourage the use of betting.
The text mandates the obligatory display of health warnings on large screens and LED panels whenever betting brands are displayed. The warning banner must correspond to 10% of the advertisement's size.
The NBA House started on Tuesday (3), at Shopping Eldorado. The 2026 edition celebrates the event's 10th anniversary in the country and will be the largest ever held at the venue, with more than 6.000 square meters of immersive area. Operated and promoted by tm1, the expectation is to surpass the 42 fans who attended last year. The event runs until June 21, during the NBA Finals.
The program includes watch parties for all Finals games, appearances by athletes such as Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat), Gui Santos (Golden State Warriors), and former player Leandro Barbosa, as well as a tribute to Brazilian basketball icon Oscar Schmidt. The event will also feature NBA dunk and dance teams, including the Phoenix Flyers (Suns), Utah Jazz Dancers, D-Town Crew (Mavericks), and Chicago Bulls Elevators, in addition to mascots Chuck the Condor (Clippers) and Champ (Mavericks).
Tickets are available on the NBAHouse.com.br website, with options for Fan Days (open to all ages) and Game Nights (for those 12 years and older). There will also be VIP packages with access to the NBA Lounge and exclusive benefits for XP cardholders.
The event is supported by official partners Emirates, Hellmann's, Jeep, Jim Beam, Michelob Ultra, NBA 2K, Sadia, Sportingbet, TNT and XP Inc., and will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. NBA House 2026 also marks the launch of Creators Club Brazil, bringing together 15 basketball and culture influencers for exclusive coverage.
The Arena Brasileira 2026, which celebrates the World Cup, is scheduled to open on June 13th, the date of the Brazilian National Team's first match, at Ibirapuera Park.
If the deadline is accepted by the Court, the City of São Paulo must present the answers by this Friday (5). The Municipal Attorney General's Office is awaiting formal notification to examine the case and respond to the Public Prosecutor's Office.
