Brazil’s government is preparing a Provisional Measure (Medida Provisória) that could prohibit online casino games, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva intensifies his campaign against betting platforms.
The final scope has not been confirmed. Reuters reported that the measure under discussion would target online casino operations but would not cover sports betting or sponsorship agreements involving clubs and competitions.
However, the same authorised operators typically offer both products, meaning a casino ban could have a significant effect on their revenues. Reuters said Brazil has 188 authorised operators and that Treasury data showed the government collected almost R$10bn in licensing fees and taxes from the sector in 2025.
The proposal is expected to be considered after Lula returns from the UN General Assembly, with 23 September reported as the next key date for discussions.
Folha de S.Paulo reported on 21 September that Lula had placed opposition to betting platforms at the centre of his re-election campaign, with a ban on online casino games under consideration even if broader restrictions on betting are not adopted.
Lula has repeatedly called for tougher action. On 18 September, he said he personally wanted to end betting in Brazil, although the government has continued to weigh the legal and economic implications of further restrictions.
Earlier this month, Lula had already signalled tougher action on online betting, describing the sector as harmful while stopping short of announcing a formal policy change.
The prospect of tighter restrictions has prompted concern across the sports sector, where licensed betting operators have become major commercial partners. Any measures affecting marketing or sponsorship would also arrive amid a wider legislative debate: the Senate’s Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Informatics has advanced proposed restrictions on betting advertising, sponsorship and promotional incentives.
The development comes only days after the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting published Portaria SPA/MF No. 2,750, strengthening controls on financial transactions associated with unauthorised betting operators.
Industry representatives have warned that casino games generate roughly three quarters of sector revenue and that a ban could trigger litigation or compensation claims, while also reducing tax receipts and operators’ capacity to fund sports sponsorships