Brazil President Lula signs law directing betting revenue to Federal Police fund

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned Law 15.480, which redirects a portion of the federal government's fixed‑odds betting (bets) revenue to the Fundo para Aparelhamento e Operacionalização das Atividades‑Fim da Polícia Federal (Funapol). The law allocates up to 3% of betting proceeds, phased in as 1% in 2026, 2% in 2027 and 3% from 2028 onward, and authorises a one‑time transfer of up to R$200 million to Funapol in 2026 using Treasury resources.

Funds previously earmarked for social security will now cover health expenses and extraordinary‑activity compensation for Federal Police personnel, extending also to the Federal Highway Police and Federal Penitentiary Police. The measure originated from MP 1.348/2026, approved by the Senate in July, and was praised by deputy Aluisio Mendes as a “great reach” for public security. Federal Police director‑general Andrei Rodrigues noted that the financing will benefit roughly 30,000 families of police staff.

The law removes previous caps on Funapol spending, allowing broader use for health, indemnities and other support for law‑enforcement agents.