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Brazil’s President Lula bans online betting ahead of presidential election
The order targets a market that drew R$88.4 billion in bets in the first half of 2026 and faces a court challenge from industry groups.
- On Friday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional executive order banning fixed-odds betting, designed to tackle families falling into debt ahead of next week's presidential election.
- Officials claim the ban addresses public health crises and economic drainage, citing a 2025 study showing betting costs Brazil 38.8 billion reais annually and increases suicide and depression rates.
- Brazil's main soccer clubs warned of financial ruin after betting companies reportedly threatened to terminate sponsorships immediately if the government proceeded with the ban.
- Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula's main rival in the upcoming election, accused the leader of an "electoral measure," though polls show widespread public support for the ban among Brazilians.
- The provisional order takes effect immediately but requires congressional approval within 120 days to remain in effect; users must withdraw funds from platforms by October 5.
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178 Articles
178 Articles
BRAZILIAN President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced a ban on online betting in South America's largest country on Friday and unveiled a new program aimed at households to make debt repayments easier.
·Zagreb, Croatia
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Lula Bans Sports Betting and Online Casinos Nine Days After Brazil's Election: "They're Like Cancer"
The decree prohibits "exploiting, bidding, mediating and advertising" sports betting or online casino games "all over the national territory." More information: Parliamentary Revés a Lula: Brazilian Congress approves the reduction of Bolsonaro's beating sentence
·Spain
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Lula made the ban on the “bets” his electoral battlehorse in recent days.
·Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Online gambling is banned in Brazil with immediate effect. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva issued a presidential decree on Friday...
·Amsterdam, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Total News Sources178
Leaning Left16Leaning Right18Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Right
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Right
37% Right
L 33%
C 30%
R 37%
Factuality
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