The government of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reportedly preparing a Provisional Measure that could impose new restrictions on betting operators and potentially prohibit parts of the industry, according to local media reports, which indicate the president said he personally favors ending sports betting in the country.
“Personally, I would put an end to betting. I think it’s a bad thing for society. Now, as President of the Republic, I know I have to share decisions to do them in the most correct way possible, without compromising the political, economic, and social stability of this country,” said Lula, as reported by CNN Brazil.
The comments followed a meeting at the Planalto Palace last week involving representatives from economic sectors, civil society organizations, experts, and artists. Betting companies were seemingly not represented at the meeting. Lula indicated that the government was close to reaching a decision.
“We have to take action as a state, whether we are going to take a drastic decision or not. I asked you to come here because I wanted to hear what society thinks […] Two-thirds of the decision has already been made; this meeting was needed so that we can sign and make this decision,” he concluded.
The government is considering measures ranging from restrictions aimed at the illegal betting market to the possible prohibition of entire segments. Online casinos and certain forms of sports betting are among the areas being examined.
While some presidential aides are assessing the effects of restrictions, another group within the government favors more limited action. The Ministry of Finance, which has overseen regulation of the sector in recent years, is resisting tougher measures.
The initiative is being prepared as a Provisional Measure because it would take effect immediately. According to internal government assessments, a conventional bill would face resistance in the National Congress and could not be approved before the elections.
The next period of concentrated legislative activity is expected only in October, while the government’s current priority in Congress is the proposed constitutional amendment to end the 6×1 work schedule.
The Civil House is leading discussions over the content of the measure, which is still being finalized. According to sources at the Planalto Palace, the government intends to send the text to the National Congress during the week that began Sunday, September 6. CNN Brazil reported the preparation of the measure.
The planned restrictions also come amid political pressure on Lula less than 30 days before the elections. According to internal PT polling reported by journalist Lauro Jardim in his Sunday column in O Globo, Lula is experiencing his lowest approval rating of the past 12 months.
Internal campaign surveys also indicate that three out of four Brazilians oppose betting, with rejection even higher among women and young people, two groups considered priorities for Lula’s reelection campaign.
The Latam Pulse Brazil survey conducted by AtlasIntel in April found that 63.2% of respondents believed online gambling only harms society, while 70% said it had contributed greatly to the financial ruin of families. Asked who was responsible for the expansion of gambling in Brazil, the largest share of respondents, 35.3%, identified the Lula government itself.
An Estadão editorial published under the title “At the mercy of the polls” argued that the government’s actions were driven by electoral considerations.
Within the government, officials have also linked the expansion of gambling to rising household indebtednessand have assessed that the issue could be negatively affecting perceptions of Lula’s third presidential term. The government has also recorded an increase in gambling addiction across the country.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/09/09/126319-brazil-reportedly-weighs-new-betting-restrictions-as-lula-says-he-would-end-sports-betting
