Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed a provisional measure banning fixed-odds betting in the country, including online sports betting and virtual casino games.
The measure, signed on September 25, comes just over a week before Brazil’s October 4 presidential election, in which Lula is seeking another term. Under the new measure, the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting are prohibited across Brazil, including bets offered online by operators based outside the country. The measure took effect upon publication.
The government said the restrictions target both betting on real sporting events and online games whose outcomes are determined by random events.
Existing licences and authorisations issued under Brazil’s 2023 betting framework are set to expire after a 30-day transition period. The measure also establishes an interagency committee to tackle illegal betting operations and advertising.
Lula has repeatedly criticised the expansion of online betting, arguing that it has contributed to household financial problems and gambling addiction. The industry was first legalised in Brazil in 2018, before a more detailed regulatory framework was introduced in 2023. Government agencies had continued strengthening controls on illegal betting earlier this month. This has included measures targeting financial transactions linked to unlicensed operators.
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Pre-Election Debate
The decision has also become part of the political debate ahead of the election. Lula is running against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Recent polling has shown a closely contested race, although those measurements do not determine the election outcome.
Flávio Bolsonaro criticised the gambling crackdown as “populist, hypocritical and politically motivated,” according to Reuters.
Lula has defended the move as necessary to protect Brazilian families from the financial consequences of gambling addiction. The provisional measure now faces Congress. Under Brazil’s constitutional rules, it must be considered by lawmakers to remain in force beyond its initial period.
The government has also introduced a separate bill targeting criminal activity connected to fixed-odds betting.
