Brazil's government has set a shutdown schedule for the regulated betting market. Operators must block access to websites and apps by 6 October; accepting new deposits is already prohibited.
Provisional Measure No. 1,394, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on 25 September, bans the operation, offering and advertising of fixed-odds betting nationwide. The ban covers sports betting and online gaming through physical and virtual channels, including offshore operators serving Brazilian customers. Licences issued by states and the federal district fall under the measure. Lottery products permitted by law are exempt.
Deposits have been prohibited since publication. Players can withdraw available balances until 23:59 on 5 October. Unsettled bets at the time of platform shutdown will be voided, with stakes refunded in full. Winnings on bets settled before the deadline must be paid out.
Within two days of blocking platforms, operators must provide banks and payment providers with CPF (tax ID), the amount owed to each player, and the account from which the payment originated. Banks will process returns between 9 and 14 October. If refunds fail, funds transfer to a dedicated account at Caixa Econômica Federal, which will handle returns under Finance Ministry oversight.
All betting advertising in physical and digital media is prohibited. New contracts are banned; existing materials must be removed by 23:59 on 5 October. Violations are treated as misleading advertising under the Consumer Protection Code, carrying administrative penalties and possible criminal liability.
The measure took effect immediately but requires Congressional approval. It runs for 60 days with automatic extension for another 60 if parliament does not complete review. Congress may approve, amend or reject it.
