ANJL Warns Brazil Betting Ban Job Losses Could Reach 5,600
Brazil.- 13 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com More than 3,500 workers have already lost their jobs in Brazil’s betting industry since the publication of Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, according to preliminary data from the National Association of Games and Lotteries, ANJL.
The association warns that the figure could rise to approximately 5,600 redundancies within the next 90 days if the regulatory and legal environment does not change.
23% of Workforce Already Dismissed
ANJL’s partial survey indicates that redundancies have already affected 23% of the industry’s direct workforce.
Based on an estimated workforce of around 15,000 people, this equates to more than 3,500 jobs lost since 25 September.
More Than 4,100 Workers on Collective Leave
Alongside the redundancies, another 4,167 employees are currently on collective furlough.
This represents approximately 28% of the industry’s direct workforce.
ANJL warns that some of these workers could ultimately be dismissed if the ban remains in place.
5,600 Job Losses Projected
The association estimates that redundancies could reach 37% of the workforce within 90 days.
In absolute terms, that would mean around 5,600 lost jobs.
The number is an industry projection rather than official Government employment data.
Survey Based on Operator Data
The figures are based on information provided by betting companies participating in ANJL’s survey.
The association is continuing to gather responses to build a more complete picture of the prohibition’s labour-market impact.
Impact Extends Beyond Operators
ANJL president Plínio Lemos Jorge stressed that the betting industry extends well beyond sportsbook operators themselves.
Affected activities include:
- Payment processing.
- Marketing.
- Compliance.
- Agencies.
- Affiliates.
- Specialist media.
- Technology.
- Customer support.
Pressure on Thousands of Families
The association argues that the employment impact of the measure is directly affecting thousands of Brazilian families.
The closure of the regulated market forced businesses to rapidly reduce structures that had been created or expanded during the federal regulation process.
ANJL Challenges Constitutionality
The organisation continues to challenge the prohibition through the courts.
ANJL and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming, IBJR, have filed cases before the Federal Supreme Court seeking to suspend the effects of the Provisional Measure.
Supreme Court Yet to Rule on Interim Relief
The main cases are being handled by Justice Luiz Fux.
ANJL argues that delays in deciding requests for interim relief increase the risk that employees currently on collective furlough will ultimately lose their jobs permanently.
Government Defends the Ban
Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office, AGU, has asked the Supreme Court to maintain the prohibition while the underlying cases are considered.
The Government argues that the measure serves public-interest objectives including household debt reduction, public health and consumer protection.
Market Closed Since 6 October
Licensed betting platforms stopped operating from 6 October.
The Government is also continuing its timetable for returning outstanding customer balances during October.
Next Steps or Impact
ANJL’s employment survey will continue to be updated as businesses restructure.
The industry’s main concern is that the 4,167 workers currently on collective furlough could progressively become further redundancies.
The employment outlook will depend heavily on future decisions by the Federal Supreme Court and Congressional consideration of Provisional Measure 1.394/2026.
Editó: @fonta
