Brazil extends online gambling ban review period by 60 days

The validity of Brazil's provisional measure banning online gambling has been extended for another 60 days by the President of the National Congress, Senator Davi Alcolumbre. The decision, formalized by Act No. 118/2026 on November 10 and published in the federal government’s official gazette on November 11, grants lawmakers more time to review the legislation. This moves the final deadline for congressional action to March 5, 2027, taking into account a parliamentary recess from December 23 to February 1. The provisional measure, known as MP No. 1,394/2026, was issued by President Lula da Silva on September 25 and suspended all online gambling operations.

Congress has the power to reject or amend the measure, and nearly 100 amendments have already been submitted. Several proposed amendments seek to preserve sports betting while outlawing online casino games, and there is broad consensus around banning advertising for online casino games. Other amendments propose restrictions on advertising, promotional activities, and sponsorships, as well as bans on credit cards for account deposits. The joint committee of deputies and senators that must examine the measure before floor debates has not yet been formally convened, and its chair and rapporteur have not been appointed.

Government leaders have stated they aim to conclude the vote on the provisional measure before the end of 2026. Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, a federal government leader in the Senate, said the Lula administration wants a decision before the National Congress is renewed in February 2027, a period expected to see an increase in conservative politicians. José Guimarães, Minister of the Secretariat for Institutional Relations, confirmed the objective of a decision by year-end. "The government considers the review of the [Bets] MP. a priority for this year and will work, in dialogue with the National Congress, to ensure it takes place," Guimarães said. Meanwhile, a legislative campaign titled "Health Is Not a Gamble" has been launched in the Chamber of Deputies by lawmakers from various parties. The initiative, led by the Joint Parliamentary Front for the Promotion of Mental Health in partnership with several health organizations, seeks to strengthen political mobilisation against sports betting and online gambling. It advocates for treating the impacts of betting as a public health issue and proposes restrictions on advertising, promotional activities, and sponsorships within the sector.

Parallel to the legislative process, the Supreme Federal Court is assessing the constitutionality of Lula’s ban. Justice Luiz Fux, overseeing the case, held a public hearing beginning November 3 where submissions were heard from betting industry trade bodies, other commercial groups, health professionals, and the government. The court has since blocked all appeals and challenges against the ban in lower courts to avoid conflicting rulings. In his review, Fux acknowledged that conflicting court decisions were creating legal uncertainty, compounded by the potential authorization of an activity he described as "harmful and posing a high social risk." The Attorney General, Jorge Messias, argued the government's case, describing online gambling regulation as a "failed experiment" that had endangered public health and household finances. Industry organizations, including the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gambling and the Association of Games and Lotteries, have argued the ban is a constitutional violation. Justice Fux has indicated the full court will make the final decision and may limit or adjust the ruling's effects, considering issues such as legal certainty and the legitimate expectations of previously authorized companies.