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Brazil's Lula Bans Online Betting Ahead of Elections
The order takes effect immediately and gives bettors until Oct. 5 to withdraw funds, while Congress must approve it within 120 days.
- On Friday, September 25, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional executive order banning fixed-odds sports betting and online casinos in Brazil, effective immediately, requiring congressional approval within 120 days to remain in force.
- Characterizing the industry as a "cancer," Lula implemented the ban to address rising household debt and addiction. Finance Minister Dario Durigan cited a "public health issue" during the announcement.
- Entain and Flutter warned of significant revenue impacts following the ban. Brazilians wagered $68 billion via Pix in 2025, while gambling-related harms cost public health systems about $7.7 billion annually.
- Football clubs including Flamengo condemned the prohibition as a "heavy blow to Brazilian sports," warning the move may drive gamblers toward illegal platforms. Advertising must cease by October 6.
- Opponents including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro dismissed the timing as "populist, hypocritical and politically motivated" before the October 4 presidential election. Congressional approval remains uncertain amid legal challenges from industry groups.
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328 Articles
Just a few days before Sunday’s election, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva banned online gambling. But a debt that has reached record levels is disrupting the lives of millions of people
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The Batesville Daily Guard
The Batesville Daily GuardBrazil's Lula promotes popular betting ban within days of tight election
Brazil has one of the world’s biggest online betting markets, which made more than $4 billion in revenues in 2025, according to an institute that represents most of the platforms operating in the South American nation. About 2 million people…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources328
Leaning Left29Leaning Right31Center35Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Center
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center
37% Center
L 30%
C 37%
R 33%
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