Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is preparing to impose a temporary ban on regulated betting in the country. The decision may take the form of a provisional measure as soon as Friday, suspending the legal betting framework until the National Congress rules on it.
Lula is weighing three scenarios. The first tightens advertising restrictions. The second bans online casino while keeping sports betting with advertising caps. The third is a complete betting ban. The government's economic team opposes sweeping measures, citing litigation risk and revenue loss. Minister of Institutional Relations José Guimarães confirmed that a full ban is on the table.
On Wednesday the president met with the finance, planning and justice ministers and Central Bank chief Gabriel Galípolo to work through the details. Lula will make the final call himself. At a campaign rally in Rio de Janeiro he told football clubs that 'teams will learn to live without money laundering'. Several clubs had earlier published a manifesto backing regulated betting.
Guimarães tied the push to the impact of betting on household budgets, denying any electoral motive. Lula also spoke against betting at the UN General Assembly this week. 'If we do not fight, the algorithms will win,' he said.
