Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said his administration would adopt a firm approach toward online gambling platforms, while also reiterating a broader enforcement agenda that includes tax compliance, corruption investigations, and child protection online. He made the remarks on Monday, February 9, during a ceremony in Mauá, in Greater São Paulo, announcing federal investments in health and education.
Addressing gambling directly, the president said: “We are going to take a very serious stance against gambling. They are taking money from the poor people of this country.”
He linked his opposition to gambling to personal convictions, adding, “I learned to be against gambling. I was against casinos and the illegal lottery because the church taught me that I had to be against gambling. What is happening today is that the casino has gone into homes. It’s in the living room, in the hands of your children.“
The comments come as the federal government prepares to advance rules restricting minors’ access to certain online content, following new limitations approved in 2025. The forthcoming framework would align Brazil with international moves toward tighter controls on children’s and adolescents’ use of social media and exposure to content such as gambling and pornography.
According to a draft decree reviewed by Bloomberg News, the proposed rules would require app stores and digital platforms to implement age verification systems.
The measures would aim to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content online, including sites that display advertisements for gambling, pornography, escort services, alcoholic beverages, dating applications, and weapons.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/10/117544-brazil-39s-president-lula-pledges-crackdown-on-online-gambling-platforms
