TLDR
- Five regulated betting associations congratulated President Lula on his re-election and asked for new talks on the betting ban.
- The groups want lawmakers to reconsider Provisional Measure 1,394, which banned fixed-odds betting in Brazil.
- The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) released its own statement calling for renewed dialogue.
- Brazil collected BRL 11.1 billion ($2.05 billion) in betting tax revenue this year before the ban took effect.
- Supreme Court Judge Luiz Fux has scheduled a public hearing on the measure for November 3.
Brazil’s regulated betting industry is asking the government to restart talks on the country’s betting ban. The calls came after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won re-election.
Five betting associations released a joint statement on Monday, October 26. They congratulated Lula and asked federal authorities and the National Congress to reconsider Provisional Measure 1,394.
Industry Groups Ask for Talks
The measure, announced last month, banned fixed-odds betting in Brazil. It brought the licensed betting sector to a halt less than two years after the regulated market was set up.
The joint statement was signed by ABRAJOGO, AMIG, AIGAMING, Sindibets and ABC-BET. These groups represent operators, suppliers, women in the industry and compliance experts.
The associations said they are ready to offer proposals that balance legal certainty, responsible gambling and economic growth. They also called for clear rules, effective oversight and respect for existing commitments.
The groups warned that decisions about the industry affect thousands of workers and their families. They said job security and equal job opportunities for women should be part of future talks.
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) was not part of the joint statement. The group, led by Plínio Lemos Jorge, sent its own message congratulating Lula.
ANJL said it hopes dialogue will be restored with Congress and the government. The group said illegal betting has spread in Brazil since licensed companies were banned.
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) was also contacted about Lula’s win. It did not comment.
Ban Faces Criticism and Court Review
The measure has drawn criticism from industry representatives and some government bodies. Many critics point to lost tax revenue.
Before the ban, Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service collected BRL 11.1 billion ($2.05 billion) from the sector this year. Total revenue for 2026 had been projected to reach BRL 15 billion ($2.8 billion).
Mateo Lenoble, a director at betting supplier Kambi, said the ban has damaged investor confidence. He also said it has created legal uncertainty.
Critics also say the ban has helped illegal operators. Unlicensed websites offer no player protection, pay no taxes and may be open to minors.
These sites also do not guarantee that bettors can withdraw their winnings. Industry groups say fighting this illegal market should be the main focus.
In neighboring Argentina, Buenos Aires is now considering a similar ban on online gaming and betting.
Judge Luiz Fux of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has scheduled a public hearing for November 3. The hearing will cover legal actions related to betting.
The Attorney General’s Office requested the hearing. Parties to a constitutional challenge known as ADI No. 8,027 and other groups admitted to the case also asked for it.
Fux said he avoided acting during the election to prevent any appearance of political interference. Now that the vote is over, he called the hearing urgent because of the measure’s deadlines and economic effects.
