Brazil’s Gambling Sector Prepares for Dialogue Following Lula Win
Brazil’s gambling sector seeks dialogue with re-elected President Lula over Provisional Measure 1,394, which halted licensed betting and now faces Supreme Court review.Summary
Brazil has re-elected Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the country’s gambling sector is preparing for renewed dialogue over Provisional Measure 1,394, which banned betting and halted the licensed market less than two years after it was established. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) acknowledged Lula’s victory and expressed willingness to resume talks, hoping for a democratic and transparent discussion that could revitalize the market while focusing enforcement efforts on illegal operators. The measure drew criticism from industry representatives and government bodies, who argued it deprives Brazil of significant tax revenue—the Federal Revenue Service had collected BRL 11.1 billion ($2.05 billion) this year, with 2026 revenue projected at BRL 15 billion ($2.8 billion)—and damaged investor confidence and legal certainty, according to Kambi director Mateo Lenoble. Critics also warned the ban created opportunities for the illegal market, where unlicensed operators offer no player protection, may be accessible to minors, generate no tax revenue, and provide no guarantee of withdrawals. Following the election, Supreme Federal Court (STF) Judge Luiz Fux scheduled a public hearing for November 3 to discuss actions concerning betting, requested by the Attorney General’s Office (AGU), the parties behind Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) No. 8,027, and amici curiae. Fux had refrained from acting during the election period to avoid perceived interference but called the hearing urgent given the measure’s deadlines and economic implications. Meanwhile, Buenos Aires in neighboring Argentina is reportedly eyeing a similar ban on online gaming and betting.
(Source：Gamblingnews)