Brazil has imposed an immediate ban on fixed-odds sports betting just over a week before its presidential election, aiming to reduce gambling-related financial harm among players.
On 25 September 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional executive order banning the operation, offering, intermediation, and advertising of fixed-odds sports betting. This measure targets the most common form of online sports wagering in Brazil and takes effect immediately, though it requires congressional approval within 120 days to remain permanent.
For players, this ban means no new deposits can be made into betting accounts. Those with existing funds on betting platforms have until 5 October 2026 to withdraw their money. After this deadline, access to these funds may be restricted, creating urgency for consumers to act promptly to secure their balances.
The government’s decision responds to concerns about gambling-related harm, including debt accumulation and addiction. President Lula described fixed-odds betting as “like a cancer,” stating, “I made the decision to take a hard, drastic and necessary measure,“ and “It’s like cancer, you take out the tumour, or the tumour will kill us.” These comments highlight the administration’s focus on the social costs linked to gambling.
Brazil’s central bank estimated that Brazilians spend around 30 billion reais monthly on bets, including some from welfare beneficiaries. A 2025 study by the Institute of Studies for Health Policies connected gambling to increased rates of suicide and depression, underscoring the public health risks involved.
Although gambling remains illegal in Brazil, online betting was legalised in 2018 and rapidly expanded, especially during major events like the FIFA World Cup. Fixed-odds sports betting alone generates estimated annual revenues exceeding $4 billion, making Brazil one of the largest markets worldwide.
Players should be aware that this ban could disrupt access to betting services and funds. They are advised to monitor official communications for updates on the legal status and any potential reinstatement of betting options. Additionally, the government has proposed criminal penalties for promoting fixed-odds betting and using personal data to solicit players, which may affect advertising and marketing practices.
This development emphasises the importance of responsible gambling and the risks associated with fixed-odds betting. Players experiencing gambling harm are encouraged to seek support from local responsible gambling resources.
Brazil’s main football clubs had previously raised concerns about the influence of betting companies, especially regarding sponsorship deals. The ban may affect these partnerships and the broader sports sponsorship landscape in Brazil.
Since 2023, Lula’s administration has taken steps to regulate the betting sector, including blocking over 2,000 irregular online betting websites linked to criminal organisations. This ban represents a significant shift in policy, aiming to curb the negative social and economic impacts of gambling.
For further information, players can consult the original report by The Guardian and related coverage from CDC Gaming. Additional insights on the impact of the ban are available from SBC News.
Learn more about betting regulations and player protections in Brazil on GamblingNews.today Brazil and explore responsible gambling resources at Responsible Gambling.
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