Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he does not expect Congress to overturn the provisional measure banning betting platforms. Speaking on the Flow podcast on 1 October, he stated: "I doubt Congress has the courage to reverse it."
The measure took effect on 25 September, nine days before the first round of the 2026 presidential election. It applies automatically for 120 days but requires congressional approval to become permanent law. Lula explained the timing by citing the proximity of the election: "It was because of the election that I did this. If I hadn't banned it and didn't win, it would never have happened."
The president referenced conversations with people who had faced gambling addiction and debt through betting platforms. He said those accounts changed his understanding of the scale of the problem: "I didn't realise how serious the situation was. I suspected, but I didn't know."
Lula acknowledged the ban will not solve the problem entirely—illegal operators will continue. He rejected claims the decision was made for electoral support: "There is no evidence the ban brought me votes. The only reason is to prevent the poor from being robbed, forced to spend money meant for beans, milk and bread for their children on bets."
The first round on Sunday ended with a victory for the Liberal Party (PL). Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the former president, took over 47% of the vote, ahead of Lula. His party secured a majority in both chambers of Congress and five governorships. The second round is scheduled for 25 October.
