Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a nationwide ban on online gambling and sports betting, describing the industry as a growing social problem that has contributed to financial hardship for many families.
Lula signed a provisional order on Friday that prohibits online casinos and sports betting platforms across the country. The move comes just days before Brazil’s presidential election, in which the 80-year-old leader is seeking another term in office.
The online gambling sector was legalized in Brazil in 2018 and has expanded rapidly in recent years. Critics have argued that the industry has contributed to rising levels of gambling addiction and significant household income losses, prompting growing calls for tighter regulation.
Explaining the decision, Lula compared the industry’s impact to a serious illness, saying decisive action was needed to address the problem before it worsened further.
The ban will take immediate effect but must receive approval from Brazil’s Congress within 120 days in order to remain in force permanently.
In comments posted on social media, Lula said the online betting framework was introduced during the administration of former President Michel Temer, but argued that the sector expanded without sufficient controls during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro.
He also expressed concern about the lack of safeguards preventing children and teenagers from accessing online gambling platforms, saying stronger protections were needed to shield vulnerable groups from potential harm.
The announcement comes shortly before the first round of Brazil’s presidential election. Recent opinion polls indicate a closely contested race between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Supporters of the ban say it could help reduce gambling-related social and financial problems, while critics are expected to argue that regulation rather than prohibition would be a more effective approach.
The issue has become a major topic in Brazil’s political debate as candidates present competing visions for economic management, public welfare, and consumer protection ahead of the vote.
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