Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attacked the betting industry during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. His government is preparing a provisional measure to restrict gambling advertising and potentially ban online casinos.
'The billion-dollar betting industry turns addiction into profit. Its rapid spread destroys families and traps people in debt. Brazil will not tolerate this business model,' Lula said. He also noted that the country has adopted one of the most advanced laws in the world protecting children, adolescents and women in the digital environment.
A full betting ban is not planned. After returning from the United States, Lula intends to sign a provisional measure that will primarily target betting advertising. A ban on certain online casino products is possible. Brazil currently has 188 licensed betting sites, and authorities want to avoid mass lawsuits from operators already holding licences.
The political calculation is clear: the president's allies believe advertising restrictions will win votes from women and evangelicals, where concern over electronic gambling and household debt runs high. Lula is running for a fourth presidential term. The government expects pushback from football clubs and cultural organisations receiving sponsorship from bookmakers.
In the same speech, Lula promised to 'ensure fair remuneration for artists, musicians and audiovisual content creators.' This was read as a nod to the 342 Artes collective and Paula Lavigne, who organised the 'Block no Tigrinho' campaign calling on artists and sponsors to cut ties with betting operators.
On Friday, before leaving for New York, Lula called internet betting a 'disease' and said: 'If it depends on me, I will put an end to these bets.'
