Brazil Considers Total Ban on Online Casino Games
- Brazil’s government is drafting a decree to ban online casino games entirely, with immediate effect upon publication.
- Licensed operators paid $5.8 million each for five-year licenses, which are now at risk due to the proposed ban.
- Brazilian football clubs could lose approximately $194.9 million annually in sponsorships if the ban is enacted.
- President Lula has criticized betting as a disease and seeks to implement this measure before upcoming elections.
- The provisional measure would take effect immediately but requires Congress approval within sixty days to become law.
The Brazilian government’s proposal to ban online casino games threatens significant financial impacts on both licensed operators and sports entities reliant on betting sponsorships. This move comes amid President Lula’s declining approval ratings and aims to address concerns over gambling addiction.
With $5.8 million licenses at stake and potential losses of nearly $195 million in football sponsorships, the decree’s implications are vast for Brazil’s regulated market, which began in early 2025. (Source)
