President Lula is preparing to ban online casinos in Brazil, according to local media citing government sources. Betting will remain legal — authorities intend to keep collecting tax revenue from sports wagering. Advertising restrictions on bookmakers are likely to tighten.
The decision comes ahead of October's general election. Lula plans to meet residents affected by problem gambling. His main opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party, is also weighing a ban on online gambling.
The president's position conflicts with the finance ministry. Finance Minister Dario Durigan, appointed in March 2026, supports stricter rules but opposes an outright ban. Regulated betting brought in around R$7.3 billion (£1 billion) in tax during the first half of 2026. The GGR tax rate is scheduled to rise from 12% to 18% by 2028.
Industry bodies have opposed the ban. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) warned a ban would push activity into the illegal segment where oversight is weaker. The Brazilian Association for Compliance in Betting (ABC-BET) urged the government to strengthen regulation rather than scrap it. The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) previously reported that 48% of players in northern regions use illegal operators.
Lula approved gambling regulation in December 2025 but quickly turned against the industry. At a meeting with civic, religious and medical groups, the president said he was preparing 'drastic' measures. Representatives from regulator SPA and industry associations were not invited.
