In brief
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a provisional order banning all sports betting and online casinos just days before the 2026 presidential election, where he faces Flávio Bolsonaro. The move, described as a fight against a ‘cancer’ that has hurt families, must receive congressional approval to take effect. Lula criticised the 2018 regulation of the online gambling sector, noting it grew unchecked and lacked protections for minors. Opponents label the crackdown as populist and politically timed. The ban reflects the high public support for restricting internet betting, with 59.9% of adults in a recent poll backing the measure.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has rolled out a ban on online gambling, just days before the country’s presidential election, in a bid to curb addiction and protect families from financial harm.
The provisional order, signed Friday, prohibits all sports betting and online casinos. Lula has called the sector a "cancer" and warned that without intervention it could "kill us". The ban must receive congressional approval within 120 days to become permanent.
The online gambling industry, legalised in 2018, has been blamed for widespread household income losses. Lula said the lack of age restrictions allowed children and teens to access betting sites, and he cited stories of families selling assets to cover gambling debts.
The decision comes less than a week before the first round of voting, in which Lula faces Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Polls show the 80-year‑old leader tied closely with his opponent.
In addition to the gambling ban, Lula signed a bill targeting criminal offenses related to fixed‑odds betting. At the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week, he condemned the industry for turning addiction into profit.
Bolsonaro criticised the move as “populist, hypocritical and politically motivated.” He said the ban would unfairly hurt jobs and revenue.
Public opinion is sharply divided, but a recent Atlas–Bloomberg survey found that 59.9% of Brazilian adults favour banning online betting.
© Reuters
