Brazil’s Centrão Seeks Betting Ban Revision After Presidential Runoff

Congressional blocs from Brazil’s Centrão, which unites centrist and center-right parties, are preparing to change the provisional measure issued by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that banned online wagering throughout the country. As per Folha de São Paulo, lawmakers want to wait until after the Presidential Runoff elections on Oct. 25 before reaching a compromise that allows sports betting but not online casinos.

Read more Thailand Plans Meta Partnership to Target Illegal Gambling Ads

The strategy has been gaining momentum, considering that Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), who has consistently condemned the ban, is getting closer to victory. His clear separation between sports betting and internet casinos has driven some lawmakers to feel there could be scope for negotiations. But the congressmen are also hopeful of a deal with Lula if he is re-elected, especially given the pressure that sports teams are exerting on him for sponsorships and advertising revenue lost to the Bolsonaro camp.

Proposed Amendments Target Sports Betting

Deputy Júlio Arcoverde (PP-PI), Vice-President of football club River-PI, has put forward the idea to allow wagering on sporting events, while not permitting online casinos. “There has to be a middle ground. President Lula made a very hasty decision to win votes,” he said.

The deputy Bebeto (PP-RJ) presented four amendments to maintain the betting system and focus restrictions on those websites that are not authorized by the Ministry of Finance. That’s where the real danger for consumers, sports integrity and public revenue lies, he argued, citing international experiences and Brazil’s own history.

Industry representatives have also turned to Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), campaign coordinator for Flávio Bolsonaro, and the PP’s leader in the Chamber and coordinator of the Parliamentary Front for Responsible Gambling, Deputy Dr Luizinho (PP-RJ), to lobby for changes to the measure.

Flávio Bolsonaro Leaves Sports Betting Position Open

On October 7, Flávio Bolsonaro hit back at Lula on the ban, calling him the “father of the little tiger” (games played online like casino games) and saying that he had voted against the betting laws. But he didn’t explicitly say he’d be for bringing sports betting back.

An honest and responsible distinction is needed, said Flávio. On September 25, he said that the ‘little tiger’ game will be banned, and online casinos will be banned. His statements have spurred some lawmakers to believe that such a stance could be compatible with a partial reopening of the market without, however, presenting a clear proposal in this direction.

Read more AFL

Folha de São Paulo reports. Senator and deputy Paulo, who have been affiliated with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), think the outcome of the vote might help to improve their odds for changing or defeating the measure. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP) extended the deadline for presenting the amendments until October 13, which will exclude the debate from the first round of voting. A committee is expected to be set up in November to study the proposal.

Tax Revenue and Sponsorships Drive Industry Pressure

Sports betting firms say it wasn’t sufficient to bring back the pre-casino days of sponsorships and profits. The report also indicates that sports betting generates 70% of the profits for operators and that in 2025 it paid almost R$9 billion in taxes, according to industry estimates.

In the event that the ban is continued, the government will have to explain the loss of revenue in the upcoming year’s budget. There are also reports that some government officials recognize they have reservations about the ban because it may lead to an increase in the number of people playing in illegal gambling establishments, which are not required to pay taxes and consumers have fewer protections. But there could be political consequences for Lula, who included the ban in his campaign platform.

Decision Could Extend Into 2027

The measure is subject to congressional approval, and its deadlines are extended during recess. The final vote may be until February 2027, which could be the next Government, says the report.

This will be based on election results, congressional negotiations, and the future of the measure in Congress. The question for gambling operators, football clubs and media is whether lawmakers will find a compromise that will return some legal betting or whether they keep the general ban in place.

Read more Lottomatica and CIRSA Approve Merger Plan to Create Gaming Industry Giant

Source: BNL Data