Brazil food sales rise following ban on online betting platforms

Following the implementation of Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, which restricted online betting platforms, Brazil has seen a notable increase in food retail sales. Data from the Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras) indicates that food sales grew by 6.5% between October 5 and October 11, 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was particularly strong in the South region, which saw a 10.6% increase.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attributed this shift to the redirection of household income from gambling to essential goods like rice, oil, pasta, and coffee. Central Bank data supports this trend, showing a 10% drop in Pix transactions immediately following the ban. In Mato Grosso, some local establishments reported increases of up to 400% for specific essential products.

The measure remains subject to legal challenges. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has petitioned the Supreme Federal Court (STF), and Justice Luiz Fux has scheduled a public hearing for November 3 to discuss the constitutionality of the restrictions.