Flávio Bolsonaro Criticises Betting Ban Over Legal Certainty
Brazil.- 9 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Senator and presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has criticised the ban on sports betting and online gaming introduced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Government, arguing that the measure undermines legal certainty.
The comments were made in Brasília following a meeting with leaders of the União Progressista federation, formed by PP and União Brasil.
Criticism of MP 1.394
Bolsonaro challenged Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, issued by the Executive on 25 September.
He argued that the decision harms companies that had already complied with regulatory requirements and paid to enter Brazil’s licensed market.
Operators Paid R$30 Million
Companies authorised by the Ministry of Finance paid approximately R$30 million for each federal licence.
Bolsonaro cited this as evidence of what he sees as a legal-certainty problem after the State first created a regulated market and later ordered its closure.
Impact on Football
The candidate also highlighted the consequences for football clubs that relied on commercial agreements with betting operators.
Before the ban, betting brands had become some of the largest sponsors in Brazilian football.
Shirts and Commercial Contracts
Bolsonaro also referred to retailers holding stock of shirts and sporting merchandise carrying betting-company branding.
The transition away from gambling advertising has become one of the most contentious commercial issues arising from the measure.
Focus on the Illegal Market
The senator argued that enforcement should primarily target unlicensed platforms.
In his view, illegal operators are the more pressing issue because they operate outside regulatory supervision and player-protection controls.
No Confirmation on Congressional Vote
Despite criticising the measure, Bolsonaro has not said whether he will vote for or against the Provisional Measure when it reaches Congress.
He said the issue should be debated by lawmakers before a definitive policy is adopted.
Distinguishing Between Products
The candidate also called for a distinction between different forms of gambling.
He noted that he voted against the 2023 legislation and has been particularly critical of online casino products.
His opposition to the current ban therefore does not necessarily mean he supports restoring the previous framework in full.
MP Could Expire
Bolsonaro also noted that a Provisional Measure requires Congressional approval to remain in force.
If lawmakers do not convert it into law within the constitutional timeframe, the measure may lapse.
Football Clubs Seek Political Engagement
Brazilian football executives have meanwhile intensified political engagement over the economic impact of the ban.
Several clubs have also supported legal challenges and participated in public campaigns seeking changes to the measure.
Supreme Court Challenge
The ban is being challenged before the Federal Supreme Court by the National Association of Games and Lotteries, ANJL, and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gambling, IBJR.
Justice Luiz Fux is handling the main cases.
The Federal Attorney General’s Office, AGU, is defending the continuation of the ban.
Next Steps or Impact
Flávio Bolsonaro’s comments add another political dimension to a dispute already involving the Government, Congress, the Supreme Court, betting operators and football clubs.
However, his preferred long-term regulatory model remains only partially defined.
Attention will now remain on Congressional consideration of the Provisional Measure and any Supreme Court ruling on requests to suspend it.
Editó: @fonta
