Brazil: Betting Firms Reportedly Seek Reopening if Flávio Bolsonaro Wins
Brazil.- 21 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Online betting companies are reportedly negotiating with Brazil’s Liberal Party (PL) over a possible resumption of operations from 26 October 2026, provided Flávio Bolsonaro wins the presidential election scheduled for Sunday 25 October.
The reports are based on statements attributed to an anonymous source connected to BetMGM, suggesting that discussions are under way to restore betting operations immediately after the election.
There has been no public confirmation of the alleged agreement, meaning the potential reopening remains an unverified report.
Possible Reopening After the Election
According to the reports, several betting companies have maintained contact with PL representatives to explore ways of resuming operations.
The proposed date is Monday 26 October, immediately following the presidential election.
However, the legal mechanisms that would permit such a rapid reopening remain unclear.
Any resumption of betting activity would depend on political, legislative or judicial decisions capable of changing the existing restrictions.
The Role of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court
The reports also suggest that Luiz Fux, a justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) who is overseeing legal challenges to the prohibition, may be aware of the discussions.
Brazilian media reports indicate that Fux could postpone decisions on the legal challenges until after the election to avoid influencing the electoral process.
However, no judicial decision authorising the reopening of the betting market has been confirmed.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s Discussions with Grupo Globo
The potential return of online betting was also reportedly discussed during a 16 October meeting between Flávio Bolsonaro and executives from Grupo Globo.
During the meeting, the presidential candidate allegedly stated that an understanding already existed within the National Congress to restore online sports betting.
It remains unclear whether a possible reopening would also include online casinos.
Grupo Globo has commercial interests in the industry through Boa Lion, a joint venture connected to BetMGM’s Brazilian operations.
The media group also previously generated advertising revenue from betting operators across its television channels and sporting events.
Regulatory Context and Next Steps
Brazil’s prohibition was established through a provisional measure signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on 25 September 2026, restricting the operation, intermediation and advertising of online betting and gambling activities.
Since then, the industry has faced uncertainty regarding existing licences, commercial agreements and investments.
The outcome of the 25 October presidential election could change the political environment, although an electoral victory would not automatically remove the restrictions.
For Brazil’s iGaming industry, upcoming decisions by Congress, the Government and the STF will be decisive.
The possibility of reopening the market on 26 October remains an unconfirmed scenario rather than an officially agreed measure.
Editó: @fonta
