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Brazil bans online betting via provisional measure
The Brazilian government has issued provisional measure MP 1.394, effectively banning the exploration, offering, intermediation, and advertising of fixed-odds betting and online games. The measure, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, prohibits new deposits into betting platforms immediately and mandates that all betting websites and applications must go offline by October 6.
To facilitate the transition, the government has established a strict timeline for users to manage their funds. Bettors have until 11:59 PM on October 5 to voluntarily withdraw their balances. For any funds not withdrawn by this deadline, banks are scheduled to return the money to users between October 9 and October 14. The government is notifying registered users about this process through WhatsApp and the official gov.br channel.
Industry representatives and economists have raised concerns regarding the abruptness of the decision. Critics argue that the ban could drive compulsive gamblers toward unregulated, illegal platforms, increasing their vulnerability and expanding organized crime. Additionally, companies in the sector are expected to seek legal recourse to claim compensation for previous investments and licensing fees. The provisional measure remains in effect for 120 days and requires approval by the National Congress to become permanent law. The government is also proposing a bill to criminalize illegal betting operations, with potential penalties including prison sentences of up to six years.
Entities
ANJL · Brazil · Brazilian Government · Brazilian federal government · Caixa Econômica Federal · Darío Durigan · Federal Police · Government of Brazil · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Lula · Ministry of Finance · Ministry of Justice and Public Security
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Betting websites and applications are scheduled to be blocked in Brazil starting October 6. radiosampaio.com.br · hugogloss.uol.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] A provisional measure has been published prohibiting the exploitation, offering, intermediation, and advertising of fixed-odds betting in Brazil. radiosampaio.com.br · hugogloss.uol.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 41% of bets currently made in Brazil occur on illegal websites. nahoradanoticia.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least 13.7 new illegal domains were registered per day between June and August of this year. nahoradanoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] New deposits into betting accounts and the hiring of new advertising campaigns are prohibited as of September 25. radiosampaio.com.br · hugogloss.uol.com.br · visaocidade.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] The provisional measure requires approval by the National Congress within 120 days to become permanent law. radiosampaio.com.br · fastcompanybrasil.com · www.nsctotal.com.br · oantagonista.com.br
- [● 8 SOURCES] Betting users have until 11:59 PM on October 5 to voluntarily withdraw funds from their accounts. radiosampaio.com.br · hugogloss.uol.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · www.jd1noticias.com · www.nsctotal.com.br · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The abrupt prohibition of betting may drive compulsive gamblers toward illegal platforms, increasing their vulnerability. nahoradanoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Users have until 11:59 PM on October 5 to voluntarily withdraw their balances from betting platforms. www.jd1noticias.com · www.nsctotal.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The provisional measure is valid for 120 days and requires approval by Congress to remain in effect. www.nsctotal.com.br
- [● 9 SOURCES] The government issued a provisional measure (MP 1.394) prohibiting the exploration, offering, intermediation, and advertising of fixed-odds betting and online games in Brazil. www.jd1noticias.com · www.nsctotal.com.br · fastcompanybrasil.com · radiosampaio.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · +3 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Betting websites and applications must cease operations and go offline starting October 6. fastcompanybrasil.com · www.jd1noticias.com · www.nsctotal.com.br · radiosampaio.com.br · hugogloss.uol.com.br · +2 more