Brazil’s Gambling Ban Prompts Industry Response
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Provisional Measure 1,394 on 25 September, banning sports betting and online casino games across the country.
The measure prohibits the operation, intermediation, and advertising of online and in-person fixed-odds betting, covering online games and wagering on sporting events.
Gambling operators were immediately banned from accepting new bets and deposits. They will remain accessible until 11:59 pm on 5 October to allow users to withdraw funds, before becoming inaccessible from 6 October.
The measure is initially valid for 60 days and can be extended for another 60 days if Congress has not voted on it by then.
The ban has prompted a response from gambling operators, with Flutter Entertainment saying it has ceased its sports betting and iGaming operations in Brazil and is reviewing its options, including a potential appeal.
The company said the ban could reduce its 2026 revenue by approximately $70 million if operators do not resume before the end of the year. Brazil’s betting industry is also preparing to challenge the ban in court, with the National Association of Games and Lotteries and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming filing a joint petition seeking to suspend the measure until Congress decides whether to approve it
