On August 3, Brazil’s Congress returns from winter recess, and Lula da Silva’s government intends to more actively push a ban on online casinos.
Ban on Algorithms, Sports Betting Stays
Bill PL 2.258/2026 was introduced on May 7 by Paulu Pimenta, the government’s leader in the Chamber of Deputies: it repeals the clause of Law 14.790/2023 concerning bets on virtual events and covers foreign platforms accessible from Brazil.
Bets on real sporting events and state lotteries remain in place; the target is the “tiger cub” (Fortune Tiger) and digital slots.
R$240 Billion in Bets and 200 Initiatives
In his rationale, Pimenta cites a CNC study: in 2024, Brazilians directed R$240 billion toward online betting — about $44.5 billion at the average 2024 exchange rate — and 5 million recipients of the Bolsa Família benefit spent R$3 billion via Pix.
Since the launch of the regulated market on January 1, 2025, more than 200 initiatives related to the betting law have been submitted to Congress, with three currently gaining traction: a full repeal of the regulation (PL 1.808/2026), a ban on online casinos, and restrictions on advertising.
The Bill Has Been Sitting with the Speaker Since May
According to the Chamber of Deputies’ records, the bill has been awaiting the speaker’s assignment since May 7 and has not been scheduled for committee review, while Poder360 links the government’s activity to the October elections.
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