Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he intends to pursue a ban on online casinos, citing social and economic harms associated with gambling addiction. He called for the government, Congress and judiciary to work together on a response; the source describes the proposal as prompting debate over prohibition and regulation.
A ban proposal could change the legal framework for online casino operators in Brazil.
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Deputy Pedro Uczai has presented a bill proposing a ban on fixed-odds betting in Brazil, according to an opinion article. The article says 84 companies hold federal authorisations valid for five years and argues that prohibition could lead to claims for compensation over investments and lost economic expectations. It also estimates the country could forgo nearly R$15bn in allocations and taxes in 2026.
Brazilian deputy Pedro Uczai submitted Bill PL-1808/2026, proposing to prohibit online betting, gambling advertising and sponsorships, and related transactions. The proposal has the support of 68 governing-party members and remains a parliamentary initiative; Uczai cited concerns about gambling harm, household debt and mental health.
Senator Eduardo Girão introduced Bill 1018/2026 in Brazil, proposing amendments to Law No. 14.790/2023 that would restrict incentives and retention practices used by fixed-odds betting operators. The proposal would prohibit cashback, loyalty rewards, loss-based rewards and engagement features such as missions and leaderboards, and restrict personalised communications promoting deposits. If Congress approves it, operators would have 90 days from publication to adapt, according to the proposal.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for an end to the country’s betting industry at a campaign event in Rio de Janeiro on 23 September. The report says the government is weighing options ranging from tighter advertising controls to a full ban, while football representatives warn of financial effects; 13 Série A clubs have betting companies as principal shirt sponsors, with estimated exposure of about R$1bn.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has raised the possibility of a national ban on online betting platforms, according to the report. He said the government was examining the option, which would require parliamentary approval. The report says operators currently pay about 12% of revenue in tax and that the government is considering increasing the burden.