Brazil betting firms lobby against proposed tax increases in Congress

Brazil’s government has made a provisional measure to end sports betting and online games a legislative priority for the end of 2026, Institutional Relations Minister José Guimarães said on 27 October. The measure needs approval by a joint committee and both congressional chambers by 23 November to have permanent effect; the deadline could be extended by 60 days.

José Guimarães, minister of the Institutional Relations Secretariat, confirmed the information on Tuesday 27 October. The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has placed the provisional measure providing for an end to sports betting and online games among its legislative priorities for the end of 2026. Guimarães said the executive branch intends to move forward with four items in the National Congress: the Public Security constitutional amendment, the betting measure, the 2027 budget and a proposal for free public transport at weekends. The statement came during the government's coordination with lawmakers to set the voting agenda before the legislative year closes.