Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: The Attorney General Requests Annulment of Laws Authorizing Online Betting

Brazil, November 13, 2024 — Paulo Gonet, the Attorney General of the Republic, filed a lawsuit with the STF (Supreme Federal Court) against most of the laws regulating sports betting in Brazil. The action specifically questions the constitutionality of two laws: one from 2018, signed by Michel Temer, and another from 2023, signed by Lula.

Additionally, two ordinances issued by the Ministry of Finance in 2024 aimed at regulating betting and online gaming are also under scrutiny. The 2018 law authorized online betting in the country, and the legislation passed last year expanded and defined the regulations.

The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) argues that the legislation is “insufficient to protect the fundamental rights of consumers.” Attorney General Paulo Gonet also stated that the legislation violates social rights such as health, nutrition, consumer rights, prosperity, and also the rights of children, adolescents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

The PGR’s request came on the same day that the STF held a public hearing to discuss sports betting in Brazil. Minister Luiz Fux participated in the hearing, stating that the court should rule on the matter in the first half of 2025, and he also highlighted the need for “adjustments” in betting regulations.

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com