Betting Sector Criticises New Desenrola Programme Restrictions
Brazil.– 6 May 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Brazil’s regulated betting sector has criticised the new restriction imposed by the New Desenrola Brasil programme, which will block participants from accessing licensed betting platforms for one year.
Overview
Representatives of Brazil’s regulated betting market reacted to statements made by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and to the new rules introduced under the New Desenrola Brasil programme, which will prohibit programme participants from accessing online betting platforms for 12 months.
The measure officially came into effect on Tuesday, May 5, and applies exclusively to licensed operators currently operating under strict federal regulatory standards.
The issue has reignited debate surrounding consumer financial protection, over-indebtedness prevention and the broader impact on Brazil’s regulated sports betting and iGaming market.
Details / Context
During the official announcement of the New Desenrola Brasil programme at the Palácio do Planalto, Lula stated that the government intends to reduce the impact of online betting on financially vulnerable individuals.
“We are prohibiting people from spending their resources on gambling for one year,” the president stated during the press conference.
However, representatives of the licensed sector argued that the restriction only affects regulated operators supervised by the Ministry of Finance, while illegal operators remain accessible to Brazilian consumers.
Brazil’s regulated betting market officially launched in January 2025 and currently includes dozens of authorised operators subject to compliance rules, facial recognition requirements, financial monitoring and mandatory responsible gaming practices.
Concerns from the Regulated Market
Industry representatives argue that restrictive measures targeting only the legal market could generate unintended side effects.
Among the main concerns are the strengthening of the illegal market, migration of players towards unlicensed platforms and the weakening of tax revenues generated by regulated operators.
Recent data from Brazil’s Receita Federal showed that licensed betting operators generated approximately R$3.4 billion in tax revenue during the beginning of 2026 alone, highlighting the growing economic importance of the regulated sector for public finances.
In addition, market estimates indicate that Brazil generated around R$37 billion in GGR during its first full year of regulation, consolidating its position as one of the world’s largest online betting markets.
Future Perspective
The situation highlights how Brazil’s betting market continues experiencing a period of intense political and regulatory tension.
While the government seeks to strengthen consumer protection and financial control mechanisms, licensed operators advocate for a balanced regulatory environment that supports the legal market without encouraging the growth of illegal platforms.
Debates surrounding taxation, commercial restrictions, advertising and player protection measures are expected to remain central within Brazil’s iGaming regulatory agenda throughout 2026.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com
