Uruguay’s National Directorate of Lotteries and Pools has filed an injunction against the South American Soccer Confederation (aka Conmebol) for broadcasting sports betting ads during recent matches.
Director of Lotteries and Pools, Ricardo Berois, told lawmakers that the action was initiated against the confederation in June. Since 2019 it has had an agreement with Betfair, a sportsbook operator.
The law forbids sports betting operators from advertising within Uruguay, he said.
“If a match is made and Uruguay watches it, but the match is taking place in the Bombonera, in Argentina, I have no power over that. But we do in Uruguayan territory. That is the dispute we have with Conmebol,” he added.
The situation is unfair, he said, because sports clubs are unable to obtain sponsorships from sportsbook operators. He declared, “It is unfair because if the Uruguayan teams, who make a great sacrifice, want to have an advertisement here from one of these international gaming organizations, I forbid it. However, Conmebol comes and does it.”
