Brazil AGU Seeks 72 Hours Before Supreme Court Betting Ban Decision

Brazil.- 30 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office, AGU, has asked the Supreme Federal Court for a 72-hour period before Justice Luiz Fux considers the betting industry’s request to suspend the country’s betting ban.

The request follows legal action from the National Association of Games and Lotteries, ANJL, and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming, IBJR.

AGU Request

The AGU said the Presidency and the public bodies responsible for defending the challenged measures need time to submit their arguments.

It stressed that the request is procedural and does not yet represent a position on the merits of the case.

ANJL and IBJR Seek Suspension

The industry bodies want the Supreme Court to suspend the effects of the prohibition while its constitutionality is examined.

They also want public authorities temporarily prevented from:

  • Cancelling licences.
  • Blocking websites and applications.
  • Restricting payments.
  • Taking other enforcement measures against licensed operators.

Authorities Covered

The request includes the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Anatel, Central Bank, Caixa Econômica Federal and the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee.

The objective is to preserve the regulated market while the Court considers the injunction.

Industry Arguments

ANJL and IBJR argue that the measure raises constitutional concerns.

Their principal claims include:

  • Insufficient urgency for a Provisional Measure.
  • Lack of technical impact studies.
  • Legal uncertainty.
  • Risk to investments made under government-issued licences.

R$30 Million Licence Fees

Brazil had 85 authorised betting companies.

Each federal authorisation cost R$30 million.

The associations argue that ending the market early could create disputes over approximately R$2.5 billion paid in licensing fees.

Luiz Fux to Consider the Case

Justice Luiz Fux will play a central role in the next stage.

The AGU wants the Presidency and the federal legal authority to be heard before he rules on the industry’s interim request.

Shutdown Timetable

Unless a court decision changes the position, the Government’s timetable remains in effect.

Operators cannot accept new deposits and betting websites and applications are due to become unavailable from 6 October.

Industry Context

The legal challenge comes only days after the Government moved to close a regulated market that had been fully operational since January 2025.

The decision has triggered coordinated opposition from trade bodies, operators and other companies connected to the sector.

Next Steps or Impact

The next step will be the submission of arguments by the Presidency and the AGU within the requested period.

Justice Fux may then consider the request for interim relief filed by ANJL and IBJR.

If the Supreme Court grants a suspension, the shutdown timetable could be paused while the wider constitutional case is examined.

If no judicial intervention occurs before 6 October, the Government’s existing timetable remains in force.

Editó: @fonta

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