Lula Prioritises Online Gambling Ban in Brazil’s Congress
Brazil.- 29 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government has confirmed that Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026, which prohibits online sports betting and casino gaming in Brazil, is among its main legislative priorities for the remainder of 2026.
The announcement was made on 27 October by José Guimarães, Minister of the Secretariat for Institutional Relations, during discussions between the government and lawmakers concerning the National Congress’s legislative agenda.
The measure must complete several parliamentary stages before becoming permanent legislation, while Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) prepares to hold a public hearing on 3 November.
Government Identifies Four Legislative Priorities
José Guimarães explained that the administration intends to concentrate on four major issues before the end of the legislative year.
The announced priorities are:
- The proposed constitutional amendment concerning public security.
- The provisional measure prohibiting online betting.
- Approval of the 2027 federal budget.
- A proposal to introduce free public transport at weekends.
Including online gambling among these issues confirms the government’s intention to advance parliamentary consideration of the prohibition.
Statements From Minister José Guimarães
During the discussions, Guimarães emphasised the need to progress with the government’s legislative priorities.
“We have to vote on the constitutional amendment on public security. Second, discuss the provisional measure on betting. We have a Budget, which will be a new Budget for a new government,” he stated.
The minister also identified the proposal for free public transport as an important item on the government’s agenda.
His comments came during discussions aimed at organising parliamentary votes before the end of the legislative session.
Gambling Ban Requires Congressional Approval
Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026 was issued on 25 September and introduced restrictions on the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting.
Although provisional measures take immediate effect, they require parliamentary approval to become permanent legislation.
The procedure involves examination by a joint congressional committee, followed by votes in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Lawmakers can approve the original text, introduce amendments or reject the measure.
23 November Becomes a Key Deadline
The initial validity period of the provisional measure ends on 23 November 2026.
Congress must complete the relevant legislative stages or apply the extension mechanisms established under Brazilian law.
The deadline may be extended by a further 60 days, in accordance with the rules governing provisional measures.
If the legislation is not approved within the applicable period, it will cease to have effect, although the legal consequences of its temporary application must be addressed under the relevant provisions.
Lula Seeks Progress Before Parliamentary Changes
The administration intends to advance its legislative priorities before the composition of the National Congress changes in 2027.
The legislative elections altered the balance of political representation in both chambers.
Among the developments highlighted was increased representation for opposition-aligned political groups, including the Liberal Party (PL) and other organisations associated with the Bolsonaro family.
This new political environment could change the conditions under which the government negotiates its legislative agenda.
Consequently, the administration is seeking to make progress during the remaining months of 2026.
Congress Also Considers Alternatives to the Ban
The provisional measure has generated different positions among Brazilian lawmakers.
Several amendments have been submitted proposing changes to the scope of the restrictions.
The alternatives under discussion include:
- Maintaining the comprehensive online gambling prohibition.
- Allowing sports betting while retaining restrictions on online casino games.
- Introducing transitional arrangements for existing contracts.
- Modifying advertising and sponsorship restrictions.
- Strengthening consumer protection requirements.
These proposals remain subject to the legislative process and do not automatically modify the measures currently in force.
Supreme Federal Court Schedules 3 November Hearing
Alongside the parliamentary debate, the Supreme Federal Court will examine legal challenges concerning the provisional measure.
Justice Luiz Fux has scheduled a public hearing for 3 November 2026 at 10:00 am Brasília time.
The hearing will examine the economic, legal and regulatory consequences of the gambling prohibition.
It will bring together representatives of the federal government, industry associations and organisations connected with Brazil’s gambling sector.
Twenty-Six Participants Invited to Hearing
The hearing will involve 26 participants, representing public authorities, gambling operators, business organisations and sporting institutions.
Participating sectors include:
- The federal government and Ministry of Finance.
- The Office of the Attorney General of the Union (AGU).
- Betting and online gambling industry associations.
- Business organisations.
- Ten football clubs.
- The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Their involvement will allow the Court to consider different perspectives on the prohibition’s consequences.
Industry Seeks Restoration of Regulated Operations
Gambling industry associations have challenged the provisional measure before Brazilian courts.
One of their principal arguments concerns the investments made by licensed businesses to comply with the country’s previous regulatory framework.
The organisations have also raised concerns about the consequences for employment, tax revenue and commercial agreements.
The government, meanwhile, maintains that the gambling framework requires reassessment because of concerns involving household debt, problem gambling and consumer protection.
These differing positions form part of both the parliamentary debate and ongoing judicial proceedings.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The decision to include the gambling prohibition among the government’s legislative priorities confirms that Lula’s administration intends to advance the measure before the end of 2026.
Congress must determine whether to convert the provisional measure into law, introduce amendments or allow it to expire.
Meanwhile, the STF hearing on 3 November will provide an important judicial forum for examining the legislation.
The coming weeks will be significant in determining the scope and future of Brazil’s prohibition on online sports betting and casino gaming.
For now, the provisional measure remains in force, but its conversion into permanent legislation depends on the parliamentary process.
Edited by: @fonta
