Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on 14 August that online betting should end if the sector cannot show a social justification for operating. He said resistance from pro-betting lawmakers could complicate government action, but did not specify any measures to restrict the industry.
The president’s position signals potential political pressure for restrictions on Brazil’s online betting market.
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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.
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.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva renewed his criticism of betting companies and said he would favour ending the activity, while acknowledging opposition in Congress. He cited BRL7.3 billion in gambling revenue for the government in the first half of 2026; research cited in the report estimates unauthorised operators account for 38% to 44% of betting activity.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said ending betting would be an issue in the 2026 election campaign and that he would advocate ending betting activities he considers to provide no useful service. He also cited limits on his ability to ban the sector immediately, while the government studies advertising restrictions and continues measures against illegal operations.