Zema Intensifies Campaign Against Online Betting in Brazil
Brazil.- 27 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Romeu Zema, presidential candidate for the Novo party, has intensified his opposition to online betting and has begun appearing publicly wearing a shirt carrying the slogan “Chega de Bets”.
The politician is calling for the activity to be prohibited and says that if a complete ban is not politically achievable, betting should face exceptionally strict restrictions.
His position places gambling once again at the centre of Brazil’s election debate.
Zema Wants Betting Eliminated
During an interview with journalists, Zema said his objective is to bring an end to online betting.
He argued that if full prohibition cannot be achieved, restrictions should be even tougher than those imposed on tobacco.
His criticism links the growth of betting with financial and social problems affecting Brazilian families.
Household Debt at Centre of Criticism
Zema has particularly challenged the idea that betting could provide a financial solution for people experiencing debt.
He argued that Brazil already faces difficulties associated with high interest rates and that presenting betting as a possible route out of financial hardship is harmful.
Household debt has become one of the central arguments used by politicians seeking stronger restrictions on the sector.
“Chega de Bets” Becomes Campaign Slogan
Zema’s position has also become part of his visual election strategy.
The former Governor of Minas Gerais has started attending public events wearing a shirt displaying the message “Chega de Bets”.
The slogan summarises a political position designed to distinguish him within the national debate over the future of regulated gambling.
Contrast with His Minas Gerais Administration
Zema’s current position has attracted scrutiny because of decisions made during his tenure as Governor of Minas Gerais.
Under his administration, the Minas Gerais State Lottery granted a private concession for fixed-odds betting through the Lotominas.bet platform.
The operation allowed the state to participate in a market that Zema now wants prohibited nationally.
Zema Defends Minas Gerais Decision
Asked about the apparent contradiction, Zema argued that the concession followed federal law in force at the time.
He also said the decision was intended to maximise revenue for the state.
According to Zema, money generated by the lottery contributes towards social programmes in Minas Gerais.
Minas Gerais Lottery Revenue
A report published in June indicated that the Minas Gerais State Lottery generated monthly net profit of approximately R$432,000 from sports betting and casino games.
The figure adds another dimension to the debate over public revenue generated by gambling and political calls for prohibition.
Minas Gerais Moves Away from Fixed-Odds Betting
State policy has since changed under Zema’s successor, Mateus Simões.
The new governor instructed the Minas Gerais State Lottery to terminate the relevant contract and stop offering fixed-odds betting.
The decision was announced alongside new restrictions on betting advertising in public spaces.
Advertising Ban on Public Assets
Minas Gerais has also moved to restrict betting-brand exposure across state-owned public spaces.
The decision forms part of a broader trend towards tighter controls on gambling advertising, sponsorship and marketing across Brazil.
Several states and federal lawmakers are currently considering similar measures.
Criticism Extends to Social Media
Zema is also using social media to reinforce his anti-betting position.
He has published repeated criticism of the industry and attacked President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Government for regulating the sector.
The strategy directly links gambling policy with the presidential contest.
Betting Enters Election Debate
Online betting has become one of the emerging issues in Brazil’s presidential campaign.
The sector is increasingly linked to concerns including:
- Household debt.
- Mental health.
- Advertising.
- Protection of minors.
- Reduced spending in other parts of the economy.
- Impact on traditional retail.
Candidates are proposing approaches ranging from tighter restrictions to complete prohibition.
Electoral Impact Remains Limited
Despite betting’s increasing prominence, the issue does not yet appear to determine voting intentions for most Brazilians.
A July survey conducted by More in Common with Ipsos-Ipec found that 58% of respondents said a politician’s position on online betting would not affect their vote.
However, 24% said they would be more inclined to support a candidate advocating restrictions.
Education and Support for Restrictions
The survey also identified differences based on educational attainment.
According to the research, people with more years of education were more likely to approve of politicians supporting betting restrictions.
This suggests the issue may have different levels of political importance among particular sections of the electorate.
Industry Context
Brazil has operated a nationally regulated fixed-odds betting market since January 2025.
Rapid growth in operators, advertising and sponsorship has produced an increasingly strong political response during 2026.
Current proposals range from advertising controls and higher taxation to product restrictions and, in some cases, complete abolition of the regulated market.
Next Steps or Impact
Zema would need to translate his campaign position into specific legislation if he intends to implement a nationwide betting ban.
In the meantime, the “Chega de Bets” campaign increases gambling’s visibility as an election issue and adds political uncertainty for operators and suppliers.
The presidential debate will be important in determining whether Brazil retains the current regulated market with stronger controls or moves towards a much more restrictive policy framework.
Editó: @fonta
