Lula Says Congress Is Unlikely to Reverse Brazil Betting Ban
Brazil.- 6 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he does not expect the National Congress to reverse Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which banned fixed-odds betting across the country.
Speaking during an interview with Flow Podcast, Lula defended the Government’s decision and said he considers it unlikely that lawmakers will remove the prohibition during congressional consideration.
Comments on Congress
Lula said he doubts Congress will have the “courage” to overturn the measure.
His comments come as deputies and senators submit dozens of amendments seeking to change different parts of the Provisional Measure, including proposals to preserve certain forms of sports betting.
Measure Remains Under Review
Provisional Measure 1,394 was published on 25 September and took immediate effect.
However, it must be considered and approved by Congress to become permanent legislation.
During that process, lawmakers can amend the text, approve it, reject it or allow it to expire if consideration is not completed within the constitutional timetable.
Lula Acknowledges Illegal Market Will Remain
The President also acknowledged that banning regulated betting will not completely eliminate illegal gambling activity.
Lula said unlicensed operators may continue to emerge and that enforcement will be required to restrict their activity.
Motivation Behind the Decision
According to the President, his position hardened after conversations with people who had developed gambling-related problems and accumulated debts.
Lula said those accounts helped him better understand what he sees as the social and economic consequences associated with betting.
Protecting Vulnerable Families
The Government has presented the measure as part of a wider strategy to reduce financial and social harm associated with gambling.
Official arguments include household indebtedness, problematic gambling and the diversion of money otherwise used for essential spending.
Electoral Context
The betting ban was announced nine days before the first round of Brazil’s presidential election.
Lula acknowledged that the approaching election influenced the timing of the decision, arguing that he wanted to implement the measure before a possible change of government.
He also rejected suggestions that the ban was introduced to secure electoral support.
Shutdown Timeline
The Provisional Measure established a transition period for operators and customers.
Players were able to voluntarily request withdrawals until 11:59pm on 5 October.
From 6 October, websites and applications offering fixed-odds betting are required to become unavailable.
Balance Repayments
Operators must report remaining customer balances to financial institutions on 6 and 7 October.
Banks are then expected to return those funds to customers between 9 and 14 October.
Caixa Econômica Federal may subsequently assist where operational difficulties prevent banks from completing repayments.
Congress Considers Changes
While the Executive implements the shutdown, Congress is considering numerous amendments.
Proposals cover sports betting, licensing, advertising, sponsorship, responsible gambling and restrictions affecting recipients of social programmes.
Lula’s comments therefore represent his political expectation regarding the process rather than determining the legislative outcome.
Regulatory Context
Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 prohibits the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting through both physical and digital channels.
Its scope includes betting on real sporting events and online gaming, including products offered from abroad to people located in Brazil.
Next Steps or Impact
Attention now turns to Congress, where lawmakers will continue considering proposed amendments.
Although Lula said he expects the prohibition to remain in place, the final text will depend on the legislative process.
At the same time, the effective shutdown of betting platforms from 6 October marks a new stage for operators, customers, sports clubs, sponsors and suppliers connected to the Brazilian market.
Editó: @fonta
