FEBRALOT Seeks Role in Brazil Supreme Court Betting Ban Hearing
Brazil.- 3 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Brazilian Federation of Lottery Businesses (FEBRALOT) has requested permission to participate in the Federal Supreme Court (STF) public hearing scheduled for 3 November 2026 to examine the effects of Brazil’s fixed-odds betting ban.
The organisation is seeking admission as an amicus curiae in Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) 8,027, overseen by Justice Luiz Fux.
FEBRALOT aims to represent Brazil’s nationwide lottery retail network, which, according to the federation’s estimates, supports approximately 80,000 families directly and indirectly.
FEBRALOT Requests Admission to Legal Proceedings
The federation has submitted a formal request to participate as an amicus curiae, a legal mechanism allowing organisations to contribute specialised information and arguments to judicial proceedings.
It has also requested exceptional permission to speak at the Supreme Court’s public hearing.
The meeting will examine the consequences of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which prohibits fixed-odds betting operations and provides for the termination of authorisations previously granted to operators.
ADI 8,027 was filed by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), which challenges the measure’s constitutionality.
Federation Acknowledges Expired Deadline
FEBRALOT acknowledged that the deadline for submitting representatives’ names and authorisation documents expired on 29 October at 3:00 pm.
Consequently, it requested that its participation be considered only if operational arrangements still permit changes to the programme.
The decision rests with Justice Luiz Fux, who oversees the proceedings.
If participation in the hearing is not possible, the federation has requested that its written submission and supporting documents be accepted into the case record.
FEBRALOT’s participation had not been confirmed at the time of its request.
Lottery Network Supports Approximately 80,000 Families
The federation represents businesses within Brazil’s extensive nationwide network of lottery retail outlets.
Alongside lottery products, these establishments provide financial services and facilitate access to social benefits.
Their role is particularly important in municipalities and communities with limited banking infrastructure or fewer in-person service options.
According to FEBRALOT, approximately 80,000 families depend directly or indirectly on the network’s economic and financial activities.
The organisation believes this employment and social dimension should be considered in regulatory discussions.
Economic Sustainability of Lottery Businesses
One of FEBRALOT’s principal objectives is to provide information concerning the sustainability of lottery businesses.
The federation intends to examine how regulatory changes and evolving consumer habits may affect their operations.
Its main concerns include business continuity, employment and public access to the services provided by lottery outlets.
FEBRALOT argues that regulatory decisions should take account of the land-based network’s particular economic and social functions.
FEBRALOT Calls for Fair Competition
The organisation also wants the debate to address the importance of maintaining equitable competitive conditions.
FEBRALOT believes that modernising the gambling market should involve clear, predictable and consistent rules for all operators.
It argues that decisions concerning the supply of gambling products should not be concentrated within a single operator.
From the federation’s perspective, sustaining the lottery retail network can be discussed alongside technological innovation and participation by different market players.
Ricardo Amado Costa Highlights Industry Experience
Ricardo Amado Costa, President of FEBRALOT, emphasised the importance of listening to businesses operating within Brazil’s lottery network.
“It is important that the experience of those working in the lottery network is considered in a discussion that could affect businesses, workers and citizens who depend on these services,” he stated.
The federation president also explained that the organisation wants to contribute specialist information and support a balanced discussion.
According to Costa, the debate should consider competition and the diversity of participants across the industry.
Player Protection and Regulatory Oversight
FEBRALOT has also outlined its position concerning consumer protection.
The federation believes operators should be subject to transparent and equitable requirements.
It also argues that regulatory rules should be established and enforced by the appropriate public authorities.
The objective is to combine player protection with conditions supporting fair competition.
FEBRALOT wants these principles to be considered in discussions about the future of gambling and betting in Brazil.
Lottery Products Support Social and Sporting Programmes
Another issue FEBRALOT intends to raise before the STF is the contribution of lottery products to public funding.
The federation highlighted that part of the revenue generated by these activities supports social and sporting initiatives.
Beneficiaries include programmes connected with Brazilian Olympic sport.
FEBRALOT believes these contributions should form part of any assessment of the economic and social consequences of regulatory changes.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The STF public hearing will take place on 3 November, beginning at 10:00 am in Brasília.
The event will bring together government representatives, business associations, betting operators and sporting organisations to examine the consequences of the prohibition.
FEBRALOT hopes the Court will authorise its participation or, alternatively, accept its written submission.
Representing a lottery network that supports approximately 80,000 families, FEBRALOT is seeking to bring the perspective of lottery businesses into Brazil’s betting debate, emphasising economic sustainability, fair competition and equitable regulatory rules.
The Supreme Court will determine whether the federation can formally participate in the proceedings.
Edited by: @fonta
