Brazilian opinion columnist criticises Lula government's fixed-odds betting ban
Regulation1 min read
An opinion column on a Brazilian betting industry site criticised the Lula government's September 2026 ban on fixed-odds betting activity in Brazil under Provisional Measure 1.394. The columnist cited an analysis that found 71 of 80 jurisdictions making significant legislative changes from 2018 to 2023 expanded legal gambling opportunities, and said the World Health Organization recommends strict regulation and enforcement.
Brazil's Lula government banned fixed-odds betting activity under Provisional Measure 1.394 in September 2026, a policy criticised in an opinion column on a Brazilian betting industry site. The measure prohibited the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds bets.
The columnist argued that removing operating licences would not end demand or stop people using foreign apps, but would remove safeguards. The columnist said the effects of illegal operators on gambling-related debt needed investigation.
The columnist cited an analysis published by The Lancet Public Health that found 71 of 80 jurisdictions making substantial gambling legislation changes between 2018 and 2023 expanded legal gambling opportunities. The column said the World Health Organization recognises gambling harms and recommends strict regulation, effective enforcement, mandatory limits, self-exclusion and consumer protection.
In November 2024, Carlos Baigorri, former president of telecommunications regulator Anatel, warned that blocking illegal platforms was insufficient, the columnist said. Baigorri said operators found ways back online and the state lacked the technical and legal tools to make the blocks effective. He warned that revoking regulation would not solve the problem.