Lula’s Betting Ban Threatens Football Revenue
Football clubs warn of lost funding and jobs as Brazil’s Supreme Court examines president’s ban on fixed-odds betting.
Alissa Bergman
Legal and political pressure is growing over the outright ban on fixed-odds gambling. On 3 November, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) held a public hearing on the consequences of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which was issued by President Lula da Silva in September. Government agencies, football clubs, and sports organizations testified.
The measure prohibits the operation, offering and advertising of fixed-odds betting, including sports betting and online casino games. The Ministry of Finance confirmed that betting websites and apps had to become unavailable from 6 October.
The government defended the ban as a response to gambling-related harm and household debt. Football representatives, however, warned of its financial consequences. Fluminense reported around R$200 million in losses linked to sponsorship and advertising, while Flamengo and Botafogo also raised concerns over canceled agreements and funding for their teams.
The battle is now unfolding on two fronts. The STF is considering constitutional challenges to the measure, while Congress must decide by November 23 whether to approve, amend, or reject it.
The outcome will determine whether Brazil’s regulated betting market can be partially restored or if the prohibition will remain in place. Meanwhile, operators, suppliers and sports organizations are facing uncertainty over sponsorship deals and future commercial partnerships.
