Brazil government promotes online betting ban in social media campaign
Regulation1 min read
Brazil's government launched a social-media campaign backing Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which prohibits the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting. Issued on 25 September 2026, the measure still requires approval by the Chamber of Deputies and Senate to become permanent.
Brazil's government has launched a social media campaign supporting a ban on online betting platforms. A government video uses humour and references to Brazilian popular music to seek congressional approval of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026.
The measure, issued on 25 September 2026, prohibited the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting in Brazil. The campaign plays on the letters bet in the names of artists and songs. Its references include artists Beth Carvalho, Maria Bethânia, Beto Guedes, Bebeto and Beto Barbosa, as well as the song Bete Balanço by Barão Vermelho.
Left-wing groups are organising online activity and street demonstrations against a possible resumption of betting platform operations. Politicians, influencers and government supporters have called for the ban to continue amid the possibility that the Supreme Federal Court could suspend the measure.
A WhatsApp channel known as Ejército de Lula is one of the mobilisation's main tools, according to O Tempo; federal deputy André Janones (Rede-MG) administers it. It rose to prominence during the 2026 presidential campaign and has more than ten million subscribers. Influencer Felipe Neto urged protests against betting companies' return in an X post on 31 October.
The measure must be approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to become permanent.