Brazil extends online gambling ban as political battle continues
Lawmakers now have until March 2027 to decide whether the suspension of online betting should be maintained.
Key takeaways
- Brazil’s Senate has extended the validity of Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026, which suspended online gambling, by a further 60 days.
- The original deadline of November 23 has been pushed back, with a final vote now required by March 5, 2027.
- The measure cannot advance until a joint congressional committee is established to review the proposal.
- Government representatives have said they want Congress to vote on the measure before the end of 2026.
- A newly launched legislative initiative, “Health Is Not a Gamble”, is increasing pressure for stricter controls on online gambling and betting activity.
Brazil’s suspension of online gambling will remain in force for at least another two months after the Senate approved a 60-day extension of Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026. The move gives lawmakers additional time to decide the future of the country’s online betting market while political and public health groups continue to debate the merits of the ban.
Brazil.– The validity of Provisional Measure (MP.) No. 1,394/2026, which suspended online gambling in Brazil, has been extended for another 60 days by the President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP). The decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government (DOU) today (November 11).
This action grants lawmakers more time to analyse the gambling ban beyond the original deadline of November 23. The Federal Constitution allows for an extension of a provisional measure if the matter is not voted upon within the initial period. However, the membership, leadership and rapporteur for the joint committee of deputies and senators that will examine the matter has yet to be established.
A joint committee representing the two houses of congress must examine the measure before it can move to debate on the floors of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Taking into account the parliamentary recess from December 23 to February 1, the final deadline for a vote on Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026 is now March 5, 2027. If the measure is not approved, or not considered, within this extended timeframe, it will lose its validity, and the online gambling market could revert to its status prior to President Lula da Silva’s issuance of the measure on September 25 before the presidential elections.
Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP), a federal government leader in the Senate, stated that the Lula administration aims to conclude the vote on the provisional measure within 2026, before the National Congress is renewed in February 2027. The latter period is expected to see an increase in the number of conservative politicians, who might vote against government-backed initiatives.
Another representative of the administration, José Guimarães, Minister of the Secretariat for Institutional Relations, confirmed the objective of a decision on the future of online betting by the end of this year. According to Guimarães, the MP. on betting, often referred to as the “Bets MP.”, is one of the most significant agenda items for the coming months. Another proposal that may come to a vote is a Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) for “zero-fare” public transit, which aims to provide free public transportation on weekends.
“The government considers the review of the [Bets] MP. a priority for this year and will work, in dialogue with the National Congress, to ensure it takes place. There is confidence that members of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate will give the matter the attention commensurate with its importance and its impact on the population,” Guimarães said.
New legislative pact against gambling in Brazil
This week, lawmakers from various political parties launched a legislative pact in the Chamber of Deputies titled “Health Is Not a Gamble” (Saúde Não Se Aposta), which seeks to strengthen political mobilisation against sports betting and online gambling in Brazil. The initiative also aims to pressure the National Congress to accelerate the vote on the MP.
The movement is led by the Joint Parliamentary Front for the Promotion of Mental Health, in partnership with the Institute for Health Policy Studies (IEPS), the “Brazil Against Bets” Coalition, and the organisation Umane. The pact advocates for treating the impacts of betting as a public health issue, while also proposing restrictions on advertising, promotional activities, and sponsorships within the sector.
Meanwhile, in Congress, lawmakers have submitted 99 amendments to Provisional Measure 1,394/2026.
Legal appeals against Brazil’s betting ban
The Supreme Court has yet received various submissions from trade associations and other industry groups arguing against the ban on online gambling in Brazil. At a public hearing that began on November 3, Minister Luiz Fux heard submissions from representatives across government, media, sports and civil society.
Industry organisations have characterised the presidential intervention as a constitutional violation that undermines legal certainty, free competition and due process protections. The court has also heard submissions relating to gambling harm, addiction and risks to household finances from Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.
The government’s case is being put by Attorney General Jorge Messias, who described online gambling regulation as a “failed experiment” that had endangered public health and household finances, creating “a crisis that no government can afford”.
Fux has suspended appeals against challenging Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 in lower courts to avoid conflicting rulings, meaning that all appeals must now go through the Supreme Court.
FAQs
What is Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026?
It is the presidential measure issued by President Lula da Silva that suspended online gambling activities in Brazil pending congressional review.
How long has the online gambling ban been extended?
The Senate has extended the measure by 60 days, moving the final deadline for congressional action to March 5, 2027.
When could Congress vote on the gambling ban?
Government leaders have said they aim to complete the vote before the end of 2026, although the measure legally remains valid until March 2027 unless approved or rejected earlier.
What happens if Congress does not approve the measure?
If the provisional measure is not approved within the permitted timeframe, it will lose legal effect and the online gambling market could revert to the regulatory position that existed before the measure was issued.
What is the “Health Is Not a Gamble” initiative?
It is a legislative campaign backed by lawmakers and public health organisations that seeks stronger action against online gambling, including restrictions on advertising, sponsorship and promotional activities.
