Brazil has banned online betting—bookmaking websites will be blocked on October 6

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a ban on online betting in the country, according to Reuters.

The decree took effect immediately; however, for it to remain in force, Congress must approve the document within 120 days. Users will be able to withdraw their remaining funds until October 5, and starting October 6, betting sites must be blocked.

Authorities attributed the decision to rising household debt and the impact of gambling on family budgets. According to estimates by the Ministry of Finance, Brazilians spend approximately $11.57 billion a year on online betting. The ban was imposed less than two years after the launch of the regulated market in January 2025. The industry association ANJL criticized the decision, stating that it could drive more than 30 million players to illegal platforms.

The ban was announced on the eve of Brazil’s presidential election: the first round will take place on October 4. According to polls, Lula da Silva and his rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, are neck and neck. Bolsonaro called the ban “populist, hypocritical, and politically motivated.” Along with the restrictions, Lula presented a program to buy out and restructure the population’s overdue debts.

Photo — ESL.