FEBRALOT Seeks Supreme Court Hearing Role and Defends Fair Competition
Brazil.- 4 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Brazilian Federation of Lottery Businesses (FEBRALOT) has requested permission from the Federal Supreme Court (STF) to participate in the public hearing scheduled for 3 November 2026 to examine the consequences of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which prohibits fixed-odds betting in Brazil.
The federation aims to introduce the perspective of lottery retailers into the debate, defend fair competition and highlight the potential economic and social consequences of regulatory changes.
According to FEBRALOT’s estimates, Brazil’s lottery retail network supports approximately 80,000 families, directly and indirectly.
FEBRALOT Requests Amicus Curiae Status
The federation submitted a formal application to Justice Luiz Fux, who oversees Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) 8027, seeking admission as an amicus curiae.
This legal mechanism allows specialist organisations to contribute information and arguments relevant to judicial proceedings.
FEBRALOT also requested exceptional permission to address the public hearing.
Its objective is to provide evidence concerning the operation of lottery businesses and the services they deliver to Brazilian communities.
Federation Acknowledges Late Application
The deadline for submitting representatives’ names and authorisation documents expired on 29 October 2026.
FEBRALOT acknowledged the deadline and requested that its participation be considered only if operational arrangements still permit changes to the programme.
If permission to speak is not granted, the organisation has asked for its written arguments and supporting documents to be included in the court record.
At the time of publication, the STF had not confirmed whether the request had been accepted.
Lottery Network Supports Approximately 80,000 Families
One of FEBRALOT’s principal arguments concerns the economic and social importance of lottery retail establishments.
The organisation represents businesses operating across an extensive national network of physical outlets.
Alongside lottery products, these establishments provide:
- Financial services.
- Access to social benefits.
- In-person services across different municipalities.
- Sales of authorised lottery products.
Their role is particularly important in communities where alternative banking and financial services are limited.
According to the federation, approximately 80,000 families depend directly or indirectly on the network’s activities.
FEBRALOT Calls for Equal Rules Across the Market
The federation also wants the Supreme Court debate to address competitive conditions within Brazil’s gambling and lottery industries.
FEBRALOT argues that modernisation should be accompanied by clear, predictable and equitable rules applying to all market participants.
From its perspective, the financial sustainability of lottery retailers should be considered alongside the preservation of fair competition.
The organisation also believes decisions concerning the supply of gambling products should not be concentrated exclusively within a single operator.
Ricardo Amado Costa Calls for Balanced Discussion
Ricardo Amado Costa, President of FEBRALOT, emphasised the importance of involving lottery retailers in regulatory discussions.
“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 explained that FEBRALOT aims to contribute specialist information and participate in discussions reflecting the different characteristics of the market.
He also highlighted the importance of competition and diversity among industry participants.
Player Protection and Regulatory Oversight
FEBRALOT believes that market development should be accompanied by effective consumer protection mechanisms.
The federation supports transparent and consistent requirements for operators.
It also considers it essential that these obligations be enforced by the appropriate public authorities.
The objective is to combine player protection with regulatory conditions supporting participation by different businesses.
Lottery Products Support Social Programmes
Another issue raised by the federation concerns the contribution of lottery products to public funding.
Part of the revenue generated by these activities supports social initiatives, including Brazilian Olympic sport.
FEBRALOT believes these contributions should be considered when assessing the economic consequences of regulatory decisions.
The organisation also intends to explain how changing consumer habits may affect the sustainability of physical lottery outlets.
Supreme Court Examines Constitutionality of Betting Ban
The public hearing forms part of ADI 8027, filed by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL).
The association challenges the constitutionality of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which ordered the closure of authorised fixed-odds betting operations in Brazil.
The hearing brings together representatives of government institutions, football clubs, sports organisations and business associations.
Principal issues include the financial consequences of the prohibition, existing commercial contracts and legal certainty within the regulated market.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
FEBRALOT’s application aims to broaden the representation of lottery businesses in a debate with significant implications for Brazil’s gambling industry.
The federation believes future decisions should take account of business sustainability, consumer protection and fair competition.
Representing a lottery network supporting approximately 80,000 families, FEBRALOT is seeking to participate in the Supreme Court debate to defend equitable regulation and ensure lottery businesses’ perspectives are considered.
Justice Luiz Fux will determine whether the federation can participate as an amicus curiae and address the hearing.
Edited by: @fonta
