Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on 23 September that the government would end betting, after discussing the scope of a provisional measure with ministers. He gave no details or signing timetable, and the measure had not been signed. Minister José Guimarães said the text would be issued that week.
Operators and clubs face uncertainty while the government considers a measure that Lula described as ending betting.
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Authorisations for 85 betting companies, covering 188 brands, expire on 25 October under provisional measure 1.394/2026, the report said. Justice Luiz Fux is expected to consider challenges after the election; the Supreme Court could uphold the measure, suspend it or distinguish between sports betting and online casino games.
Authorisations held by 85 betting companies, covering 188 brands, expired on 25 October after the 30-day period set by provisional measure 1.394/2026 ended, according to the report. The measure, published on 25 September, prohibited fixed-odds betting and its advertising. The authorisations had been granted by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF). Fees paid by the companies will not be refunded.
Brazil’s government is reportedly considering a provisional measure that could restrict sports betting and online gambling, with a proposal to Congress possible as early as the following week. Its scope remains under discussion, including whether to target certain products or focus on illegal operators; the report says the Ministry of Finance opposes a broader restriction.
The Brazilian government’s decision to end online betting has reportedly divided President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign team. The report says the dispute arose within his inner circle as the presidential campaign approached.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva again called for ending betting in Brazil at a campaign event in Florianópolis on 19 September, saying he would consult the Finance Ministry and Central Bank. Finance Ministry executive secretary Dário Durigan said the government was discussing tougher measures but had made no decision; the report cites official figures of R$37bn in gross gaming revenue in 2025.
Brazilian betting and online casino representatives voiced concern after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he was personally willing to end gambling, according to the report. No government measure or publication timetable had been set; industry representatives said online casinos account for about 70% of betting-sector revenue.