Lula Reduces References to Online Betting in Presidential Run-Off Campaign
Brazil.- 22 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has significantly reduced references to online betting during his campaign for the presidential run-off election scheduled for 25 October 2026.
According to an analysis published on 19 October, the average number of references to bets in videos on Lula’s official YouTube channel fell from 11 to four mentions per video.
The change follows the Government’s decision to prohibit online gambling through a provisional measure signed on 25 September.
Betting Becomes Less Prominent in Campaign Messaging
The analysis examined transcripts from 46 videos published up to 15 October.
During the first-round campaign, between 1 September and 4 October, online betting was mentioned in every video reviewed.
The highest concentration of references occurred on 1 September, when Lula announced that his Government was considering measures against online gambling platforms.
However, during the second round, the campaign began prioritising other issues:
- The proposal to abolish the six-day working week.
- Criticism of opposition candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL).
- Other economic and social policies.
The reduction in references does not necessarily indicate a change in the president’s position regarding the prohibition.
Gambling Ban Triggers Reaction from Football Clubs
On 25 September, Lula signed a provisional measure prohibiting sports betting and online casinos in Brazil.
The decision prompted reactions from gambling operators, sponsors and football clubs.
The president questioned the financial dependence of football teams on sponsorship agreements with betting companies.
In response, at least 23 Brazilian football clubs challenged the measure before the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
On 1 October, Lula suggested that clubs consider adopting the Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) corporate model as an alternative organisational structure.
He returned to the subject on 8 October, although without presenting further proposals.
What Opinion Polls Reveal About the Ban
The decision to close the regulated betting market has also been examined through public opinion polling.
According to figures from Quaest:
- 64% of respondents were aware of the online gambling prohibition.
- Among those aware of the measure, only 8% disapproved of the decision.
These results indicate relatively limited opposition to the measure among the surveyed group.
However, they do not establish how many votes Lula gained or lost specifically because of the policy.
First Lady Janja da Silva also reportedly expressed disappointment that the prohibition had not produced the electoral result she had hoped for.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
Although Lula has reduced references to betting in his digital campaign communications, the issue remains present in his public speeches and Brazil’s wider political debate.
Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro continues to criticise the Government’s approach to online gambling.
The 25 October presidential run-off is taking place amid continued uncertainty for companies affected by the prohibition.
For Brazil’s iGaming industry, the change in campaign messaging illustrates how online betting has moved from a central electoral theme to one competing with other political priorities.
The future of the market will depend on decisions taken by the Government, Congress and the courts, regardless of how frequently the issue features in campaign communications.
Editó: @fonta
