Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has enacted a ban on fixed-odds sports betting just over a week before the first round of the presidential election. This decision, described by Lula as a ‘hard, drastic and necessary measure,’ aims to address the growing issue of families falling into debt due to gambling.

Immediate Impact of the Ban

The provisional executive order, which takes effect immediately, prohibits the operation, intermediation, and advertising of betting. Users of betting platforms have until October 5 to withdraw their funds, and new deposits into accounts are banned. To maintain the ban beyond the initial 120 days, congressional approval will be required.

Legislative Context

Lula's government is also drafting a bill to establish criminal offenses related to fixed-odds betting, which is the most prevalent form of online sports betting. This includes promoting such betting and using personal data to solicit gamblers.

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“I made the decision to take a hard, drastic and necessary measure,” Lula stated during a press conference in São Paulo. “It’s like cancer, you take out the tumour, or the tumour will kill us.”

Public and Political Reactions

Polls indicate that the ban has significant public support among Brazilians. However, Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula’s main rival in the upcoming election, has accused the president of implementing an “electoral measure.” Lula has been vocal against online betting since at least April, calling for a ban amid growing public backlash during the FIFA World Cup, when betting advertisements were prevalent.