Brazil’s Betting Ban Proposal Receives 97 Congressional Amendments
Brazil.- 15 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Brazil’s National Congress has received 97 amendments to Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026, which establishes a nationwide prohibition on fixed-odds betting.
The proposals, submitted by 24 lawmakers, reveal differing positions on the future of Brazil’s regulated online gambling market. While some members of Congress support strict restrictions, others advocate restoring licensed operations under a more demanding regulatory framework.
The debate creates the possibility of substantial changes to the Government’s measure, particularly regarding sports betting, online casinos and consumer protection.
A Total of 92 Amendments Remain Under Consideration
The deadline for submitting amendments expired at 11:59 pm on 13 October 2026, following an extension approved by Congress.
The legislative process recorded:
- 97 amendments submitted.
- 24 participating lawmakers.
- 18 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 6 senators.
- 5 amendments withdrawn.
- 92 proposals awaiting consideration.
The final day accounted for 38 submissions, highlighting the intensity of negotiations surrounding the industry’s future.
The proposals cover market reopening, partial prohibitions, stricter regulations and financial adjustments.
Mauricio Neves Proposes Restoring the Regulated Market
One of the most comprehensive proposals was submitted by Mauricio Neves (PP-SP) through Amendment 64, which seeks to replace the provisional measure in its entirety.
His proposal would restore the authorisations cancelled by the betting ban, extending their validity by the period during which operations were suspended.
The proposed framework also includes:
- Advertising restricted to brand promotion.
- Responsible design requirements for online games.
- Identification of customers whose gambling expenditure is inconsistent with their income.
- Mandatory registration of technology suppliers.
- Removal of illegal advertisements within 48 hours.
- Allocation of supervisory fees exclusively to gambling regulation.
The proposal argues that a complete prohibition could redirect gambling demand towards unlicensed operators.
Lawmakers Seek to Preserve Sports Betting
Another group of lawmakers proposes distinguishing sports betting from online casino products.
Senator Marcos Pontes (PL-SP) submitted an amendment that would preserve licensed sports betting while prohibiting casinos and virtual games.
Meanwhile, Dr Hiran (PP-RR) proposes allowing bets exclusively on real sporting events, alongside additional advertising restrictions.
Other proposals, submitted by Pedro Aihara and Julio Lopes, seek to prohibit specific online slot games, including the popular jogo do tigrinho.
Congressman Marcos Braz also proposes restricting bets on individual match events, including corners, cards and penalties, while maintaining wagers on match results and scores.
Stronger Player Protection Measures
Senator Sargento Reginauro (PSDB-CE) submitted 16 amendments aimed at tightening gambling regulation.
Although one proposal seeks to make the prohibition on casinos and online games permanent, others establish rules that would apply if Congress decided to readmit certain gambling products.
The proposed measures include:
- Prohibiting betting and deposits between 10 pm and 5 am.
- Banning in-play betting and wagers on individual sporting events.
- Prohibiting the cash-out feature.
- Introducing session time limits.
- Requiring assessments of customers’ financial capacity.
- Imposing ten-year licensing restrictions on sanctioned operators.
These initiatives demonstrate an effort to introduce stronger safeguards if parts of the gambling market are eventually reopened.
Licences, Compensation and Football Sponsorship
The potential cancellation of existing gambling authorisations has generated significant disagreement among lawmakers.
Each federal betting licence was granted following payment of BRL30 million for a five-year period.
Congressman Capitão Alden proposes proportionate refunds of licence fees, adjusted according to Brazil’s Selic interest rate.
By contrast, Julio Arcoverde proposes cancelling authorisations without refunds or compensation.
Other amendments seek to protect existing football sponsorship agreements.
A proposal from Marcos Braz would allow licensed betting brands to remain on team shirts and stadiums until the end of the relevant season, subject to a maximum period of 24 months.
Further proposals would permit the continued sale of merchandise already manufactured with betting sponsorship branding.
Debate Over the Allocation of Funds
The provisional measure directs certain funds forfeited by illegal operators to the National Public Security Fund (FNSP).
However, nine amendments propose changing how these resources are distributed.
Alternatives include:
- Financing treatment for gambling-related harm.
- Allocating funds to Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).
- Distributing resources between public security, healthcare and sport.
- Supporting paediatric oncology programmes.
- Providing assistance to families affected by gambling-related debt.
Congresswoman Tabata Amaral proposed establishing a dedicated public healthcare pathway for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems.
Meanwhile, Ana Paula Lima presented measures to support indebted families.
Digital Platforms, Pix and Financial Derivatives
The amendments also address the responsibilities of digital platforms and financial institutions.
Some lawmakers propose replacing the requirement to prevent illegal advertising with a duty of care focused on paid promotions.
They also seek to transfer responsibility for imposing certain penalties to the judiciary, with fines potentially reaching BRL50 million.
Congressman Felipe Francischini proposes requiring the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF) to provide banks with an official register of accounts and Pix payment identifiers subject to blocking.
Other amendments seek to exempt financial derivatives regulated by Brazil’s Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) from the prohibition.
This issue is particularly relevant to the legal distinction between conventional gambling and certain financial market instruments.
Congressional Committee Has Yet to Begin Work
The joint congressional committee responsible for examining the provisional measure was designated on 30 September, but has not yet formally begun its work.
As of 14 October, the committee has not appointed a chairperson or rapporteur.
The legislative calendar includes:
- 9 November: the measure begins blocking the congressional legislative agenda.
- 23 November: the initial validity period expires.
- Possible extension: a further 60 days.
- Parliamentary recess: suspends the relevant deadlines.
The legislative discussion is also taking place alongside legal challenges before Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF), with Justice Luiz Fux acting as reporting judge.
Next Steps and Impact
The submission of 97 amendments to Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026 demonstrates that Brazilian lawmakers are considering alternatives to a complete prohibition on betting.
Options include restoring the regulated market under stricter requirements, preserving sports betting while prohibiting online casinos, or introducing restrictions targeting specific gambling products.
Discussions concerning licensing, advertising, consumer protection and public funding will also influence the final legislation.
With 92 amendments still awaiting examination, the future of Brazil’s betting market will depend on parliamentary negotiations, the measure’s statutory deadlines and ongoing judicial proceedings.
The eventual outcome could reshape regulated gambling in Brazil and redefine the commercial environment for operators, technology suppliers and sporting organisations.
Editó: @fonta
