Poll Finds 75% of Brazilians Support Banning Online Betting
Brazil.- 24 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com A new AtlasIntel/Bloomberg poll has found that 75% of Brazilian respondents agree that online betting platforms should be prohibited.
The result comes during a presidential campaign in which gambling policy has become increasingly prominent and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has adopted a more restrictive public stance towards the sector.
75% Support a Ban
According to the survey, 75% of respondents agreed with banning online betting.
The breakdown was:
- 71% strongly agreed.
- 4% somewhat agreed.
- 17% disagreed.
- 8% neither agreed nor disagreed.
Increase Since April
Support for prohibition has increased since the previous measurement.
In April, 73% of respondents supported the proposal.
The September figure is therefore two percentage points higher.
Opposition Declines
The share of respondents opposed to a ban also fell.
In April, 21% rejected prohibition.
That figure declined to 17% in September.
AtlasIntel/Bloomberg Poll
The research was conducted by AtlasIntel in partnership with Bloomberg.
Interviews took place between 17 and 22 September 2026.
More Than 5,000 Respondents
The sample consisted of 5,015 Brazilian adults.
AtlasIntel used its digital random recruitment methodology.
Margin of Error
The survey has a one-percentage-point margin of error, either way.
The reported confidence level is 95%.
TSE Registration
The poll is registered with Brazil‘s Superior Electoral Court under protocol BR-04739/2026.
It was financed using the institute’s own resources.
Betting Becomes a Campaign Issue
Online betting has become a significant topic during Brazil‘s 2026 presidential campaign.
Candidates are discussing policies covering:
- Prohibition.
- Advertising.
- Taxation.
- Household debt.
- Financial protection.
- Problem gambling.
- Protection of minors.
Different Policy Approaches
Candidates do not all propose the same response.
Some support banning platforms or specific products.
Others favour tighter regulation, controls and consumer safeguards.
Lula Toughens His Position
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has intensified his criticism of online betting during September.
In public remarks, he has highlighted concerns over the effect of gambling on households and has advocated stronger measures.
Polling and the Policy Debate
The AtlasIntel/Bloomberg findings show substantial support among respondents for the idea of prohibition.
However, the survey measures views on a specific betting policy and does not by itself indicate electoral support for any candidate.
Wider Set of Findings
The research also asked respondents about other policy measures affecting the betting sector.
Results show significant support for greater regulatory intervention.
Higher Taxes
A large majority believe betting companies should pay more tax.
Approximately 84% support the proposition when strong and partial agreement are combined.
Advertising Restrictions
The survey also reports substantial support for tighter advertising restrictions.
A majority favour limiting the promotion of betting platforms.
Access by Minors
Another question concerned underage access.
Around 60% of respondents believe minors can easily access online betting platforms.
Gambling as Investment
The poll also shows strong rejection of the idea that betting should be presented as a form of income generation or investment.
Most respondents reject that characterisation.
Perceived Harm
Almost 60% of respondents believe online betting produces only harmful effects.
Another significant group believes the harms outweigh the benefits.
Social Concerns
The debate increasingly focuses on issues including:
- Household debt.
- Loss of disposable income.
- Mental health.
- Problem gambling.
- Financial vulnerability.
These concerns have contributed to the issue’s political prominence.
Regulated Market Since 2025
Brazil has operated a federally regulated fixed-odds betting market since January 2025.
Authorised operators must comply with requirements covering:
- Licensing.
- Taxation.
- Advertising.
- Responsible gambling.
- Anti-money laundering.
- Customer identification.
Full or Partial Prohibition
Current policy proposals vary considerably.
Some would ban the wider online betting market.
Others focus on products such as:
- Online slots.
- Crash games.
- Online casino.
Under some proposals, sports betting would remain legal.
Congress Considers Restrictions
Several bills have been introduced in both chambers of Congress.
Proposals range from partial restrictions to measures seeking to eliminate fixed-odds betting altogether.
Arguments for Restrictions
Supporters of tougher rules typically focus on:
- Family protection.
- Debt.
- Problem gambling.
- Underage exposure.
- Advertising.
Industry Arguments
Licensed-sector representatives argue that prohibition could shift consumers towards illegal operators.
Trade bodies say policymakers should also consider channelisation into the regulated market.
Polling Does Not Equal Policy
The result of an opinion poll does not itself change the legal framework.
Any broad prohibition would require legislative or regulatory action depending on its scope.
Electoral Context
The fact that the debate is taking place during a presidential campaign has increased its visibility.
Online betting has moved from being primarily a technical regulatory issue to a significant electoral topic.
Next Steps and Impact
The poll adds new evidence to the political debate over the future of Brazil‘s regulated market.
Congress and the federal government will need to determine whether to pursue further restrictions, targeted product bans or wider structural reform.
For now, the 75% figure underlines the public sensitivity surrounding online betting and its growing relevance within Brazil‘s 2026 regulatory agenda.
Editó: @fonta
