Brazil: Online Betting Ban Extended by 60 Days
Brazil – 12 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Brazil’s National Congress President, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP), has extended Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 by an additional 60 days, maintaining the prohibition on fixed-odds sports betting and online gambling operations across the country.
The decision was published in the Official Gazette on 11 November 2026, extending the measure’s validity while parliamentary discussions continue.
For the prohibition to become permanent legislation, the measure must be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before it expires.
Ban Could Remain in Force Until March 2027
The provisional measure was introduced on 25 September 2026 by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with an initial validity period of 60 days.
Alcolumbre’s decision extends that period by another 60 days, reaching the maximum duration established for such measures.
However, legislative deadlines are suspended during parliamentary recesses, meaning the prohibition could remain in force until March 2027.
This provides Congress with additional time to examine the proposal during the opening months of next year.
What Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 Establishes
The legislation introduces restrictions affecting several aspects of Brazil’s betting market.
Its main provisions include:
- Fixed-odds betting prohibition: preventing the operation and commercialisation of betting services.
- Termination of authorisations: ending licences previously granted to operators.
- Digital blocking: restricting access to betting websites and applications.
- Customer refunds: requiring the return of balances held by users.
- Advertising restrictions: prohibiting the promotion of activities covered by the measure.
The provisions are already in force, although their continuation will depend on decisions by Congress and the Supreme Federal Court.
Congress Receives 99 Proposed Amendments
During the amendment submission period, which ended in October, the provisional measure received 99 proposed changes.
Lawmakers must examine potential modifications concerning the implementation of the prohibition and its economic and social consequences.
Since 9 November, the proposal has been subject to an expedited legislative procedure.
However, the joint congressional committee responsible for reviewing amendments and preparing its report has not yet been established.
Once this stage is completed, the legislation must proceed to votes in both parliamentary chambers.
Government Estimates R$12 Billion Revenue Loss
One of the main issues under discussion concerns the fiscal impact of the prohibition.
According to federal government estimates, eliminating the betting market could result in approximately R$12 billion in lost tax revenue.
The figure reflects the economic importance of betting activities following the introduction of the licensing system.
While the Government supports the prohibition on social protection grounds, industry representatives have warned about potential consequences for employment, sports sponsorship and wider economic activity.
These differing positions form part of the issues Congress will need to consider.
Supreme Federal Court Reviews Constitutionality
Alongside the legislative process, the prohibition faces legal challenges before the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
The dispute involves four Direct Actions of Unconstitutionality:
- ADI 8024.
- ADI 8027.
- ADI 8028.
- ADI 8035.
The actions were brought by organisations associated with the betting industry, challenging the measure’s constitutionality.
Justice Luiz Fux, who is overseeing the proceedings, organised public hearings involving government representatives, gambling operators, sporting organisations and civil society groups.
Luiz Fux Suspends Legal Proceedings
On 9 November, Luiz Fux ordered a nationwide suspension of legal proceedings challenging the constitutionality of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026.
The decision followed a request from the Office of the Prosecutor General (PGR), which warned about legal uncertainty arising from potentially conflicting court decisions.
The suspension will remain in place until the STF issues a final ruling on the dispute.
The Court’s full bench must also examine the four constitutional challenges and review Fux’s decision.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
The extension announced by Davi Alcolumbre gives Congress additional time to debate the future of sports betting and online casinos in Brazil.
The next stages will involve establishing the joint committee, reviewing the 99 amendments and conducting parliamentary votes.
Meanwhile, the STF must resolve the constitutional challenges affecting the measure.
For gambling operators and technology suppliers, the situation maintains significant uncertainty surrounding the market’s regulatory future.
With Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 extended, Brazil’s betting prohibition remains in force while Congress and the Supreme Federal Court consider decisions that will determine the industry’s future regulatory framework.
Editó: @fonta
