The debate about banning online betting (bets) in Brazil gained strength after recent political movements involving the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The discussion comes shortly after the regulation of the sector, concluded during the current term, and rekindles historical comparisons with moments when the country restricted similar activities.
A frequently remembered episode occurred on April 30, 1946, when then-president Eurico Gaspar Dutra ordered the closure of casinos in the country.
The context of the time also involved political and social influence, with reports that the measure had been encouraged by Carmela Dutra, known as “Dona Santinha”.
Decades later, the scenario returns to the center of the national debate, now with a focus on digital betting platforms.
What does the project to ban betting predict?
The Workers’ Party bench presented a bill that proposes a complete ban on betting in Brazil. The text establishes that companies close their operations within 30 days, under the risk of fines that start at R$50,000 and can reach billions of dollars.
Furthermore, the proposal creates four types of crimes linked to the exploitation of betting, with penalties that can reach eight years in prison. The project also associates the growth of the sector with the increase in the population’s indebtedness, a topic that has gained relevance in the public debate.
How the data shows the growth of betting in Brazil
The most recent figures show the size of the market. In 2025, gross revenue from betting reached R$37 billion. In the same period, tax collection reached R$9.95 billion, a value approximately 110 times greater than in 2024.
Currently, 186 companies are authorized to operate legally in the country and have paid R$30 million for licensing. At the same time, around 29% of the Brazilian population places bets frequently.
The data was collected by the Ministry of Treasury, Federal Revenue, Serasa Experian and Genial/Quaest research.
Behind the scenes, the government has encouraged additional measures, such as restricting access for beneficiaries of social programs and limiting advertising in the sector.
In the Senate, the Science and Technology Committee has already approved a proposal by Senator Randolfe Rodrigues that prohibits the advertising of betting houses and sponsorships in activities such as football.
Although the current debate points to restrictions, the regulation of betting occurred during Lula’s third term. The market began to operate under defined rules from January 2025, with the creation of the Prizes and Bets Secretariat at the Ministry of Treasury.
Secretary Daniele Cardoso highlighted: “We are talking about a market that started operating, from a regulatory perspective, about a year and four months ago.”
In Congress, the project’s advancement still depends on legislative priorities defined by the president of the Chamber of DRepresentatives, Hugo Motta.
What experts say about consumption
Experts consider that the impact of betting must be analyzed within a broader context. In 2025, Brazilians spent R$37 billion on betting, an amount lower than consumption on alcoholic beverages (R$40.5 billion) and streaming (R$69.7 billion).
The director of LCA Consultoria, Eric Brasil, assessed: “There is nothing in the consumption pattern that, alone, is responsible for default. The big problem is the easy access to expensive credit, especially revolving credit, and the population’s low level of financial education.”
How the sector reacts to possible changes
Sector representatives express concern about possible changes. The president of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming, André Gelfi stated: “This turning of the tables, from the point of view of legal security and credibility of the business environment, is reckless. It was the government that regulated and sold the licenses, and what changed was the electoral context.”
He added: “There is no scenario without gambling, there is regulated gambling and clandestine gambling.”
The president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries, Plínio Lemos Jorge said: “We are absolutely certain that this has to do with the illegal market.”
Historically, prohibition measures have not eliminated the practice, which tends to migrate to unregulated environments. Countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Portugal, Spain and Italy face similar challenges, including illegal markets and social impacts.
