Lula says he would close Brazil’s online betting market
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he would close online betting in the country if the decision were his, while acknowledging that the measure would require congressional debate. Minister Alexandre Padilha called for tighter rules, particularly on advertising; the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming argued that regulation offers stronger protections and warned about illegal-market growth.
Operators face heightened uncertainty over potential restrictions as betting becomes a subject of political debate ahead of the 2026 elections.