Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for legislation to prohibit online casinos, arguing that they can harm household finances. The appeal contrasts with a law he sanctioned that established the legal and tax framework for online gaming, which entered the legislation during congressional consideration.
A proposed ban could change the legal framework for online casino operators in Brazil.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in an interview that he would close betting operators if the decision were his, while noting that the matter depends on Congress. He also raised tighter regulation as an alternative and criticised claims that football depends on betting sponsorship; the source reports no government proposal to close the sector.
Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court justice Luiz Fux has halted lower-court proceedings challenging President Lula’s provisional measure banning online betting while the court considers its constitutionality. The interim decision followed a request from Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet and aims to prevent conflicting rulings; Congress is separately reviewing the measure.
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.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged civil society to follow the Supreme Federal Court’s public hearing on 3 November concerning Provisional Measure 1,394/2026. Lula said Justice Luiz Fux would decide whether to prohibit or maintain the regulated betting market; Workers’ Party president Edinho Silva backed the measure but warned prohibition could expand illegal gambling.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva published an Instagram video about a public hearing on Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, called by the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Lula advised civil society to follow the hearing so that the decision by Justice Luiz Fux on prohibiting or maintaining Brazil's regulated betting market would be fair. The hearing is being broadcast live on the STF's YouTube channel.
Brazil’s Congress and Supreme Federal Court are considering the future of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s re-election, reported with nearly 52% of the vote. The measure’s effects could be suspended by a court injunction, while Congress considers close to 100 amendments; industry estimates put lost revenue at R$1,200m and lost tax receipts above R$400m.
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) is due to examine constitutional challenges to Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, the measure that restricts online gambling, while the National Congress considers close to 100 amendments to it. The STF could grant an injunction suspending the measure's effects, which would allow licences to regain validity and operations to resume in part, according to the source. The mixed congressional commission has 13 senators and 13 deputies appointed, with alternates, but has not yet been formally installed or chosen a president and rapporteur.