Lula to ban online betting via provisional measure before election

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced plans to ban online betting in Brazil through a provisional measure expected to be signed on Friday, September 25, following meetings with cabinet ministers. The decision comes as the government balances competing pressures from public opinion, football clubs, and fiscal concerns ahead of the first round of elections.

Lula stated his personal commitment to ending betting, saying "I will have the immense pleasure of ending the bets" and framing the measure as necessary to protect youth from algorithmic manipulation. He characterized the decision as a governance choice rather than conflict with football: "This is not a war, it is a decision." However, the government remains divided on whether to implement a total ban affecting online casinos and sports betting, or a partial prohibition that would restrict only virtual casinos like "Jogo do Tigrinho" while banning associated advertising.

The betting ban faces significant opposition from Brazilian football clubs, which jointly released a manifesto warning of the "end of Brazilian football" if restrictions proceed. Betting companies have become major revenue sources for clubs across all divisions. Finance Minister Dario Durigan reportedly calculated that a total ban would cost the government approximately R$12 billion in annual tax revenue. A September 23 Atlas/Bloomberg survey found 75% of Brazilians support prohibiting betting, though 36% attribute the spread of betting platforms to Lula's government while 25.4% blame the previous Bolsonaro administration.

Lula also announced a separate provisional measure to renegotiate individual debts, part of broader efforts to address economic and social impacts before the election. Government officials indicated that internal executive agencies are already preparing for implementation of the betting restrictions. The measures mark an attempt to reconcile Lula's stated personal opposition to betting with the complex economic and political considerations facing his administration.