Brazil Bans Online Sports Betting Ahead of Presidential Election

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has banned online sports betting platforms just days before the country’s presidential election, where he is seeking a fourth term.

Finance Minister Dario Durigan announced the ban on Friday, saying Brazilians would no longer be able to deposit money into betting platforms. The government also immediately prohibited new advertising contracts with betting companies, while existing sponsorship agreements will become invalid after October 6.

The decision comes ahead of the October 4 first-round election, in which Lula is facing a closely contested race against right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

Brazil’s sports betting industry has expanded rapidly since regulations were introduced in 2023. Thirteen of the country’s 20 top-flight football clubs have betting companies as their main shirt sponsors, while football stars including Neymar and Vinícius Júnior have featured prominently in betting advertisements.

The government said 85 betting licences had been issued, each costing 30 million reais ($5.7 million), and that the fees would not be refunded.

Lula defended the move, describing gambling addiction as a public health problem. He said more than 60 billion reais ($11 billion) had flowed from families to legal betting companies and compared gambling addiction to cancer.

However, the ban still requires approval from Congress before it can become permanent law.

Flávio Bolsonaro criticised the decision, describing it as an election-driven measure. Several football clubs have also opposed the ban, arguing that betting sponsorships provide important financial support for Brazilian sports.

Flamengo, one of Brazil’s biggest football clubs, called the decision a “heavy blow to Brazilian sports,” warning that it could affect professional football, youth academies, women’s football, Olympic sports and other competitions.

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), which represents licensed betting operators, also warned that a total ban could push gamblers towards illegal betting platforms, while reducing tax revenue and employment.

According to the association, the betting sector paid 9.95 billion reais ($1.73 billion) in federal taxes in 2025.

The organisation argued that stronger regulation and oversight would be preferable to an outright ban.