Brazil’s Lula and Bolsonaro Both Back Tighter Online Gambling Restrictions Ahead of October 4 Vote

Brazil’s two main presidential candidates, current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, are both pressing for tighter gambling rules as the election approaches on October 4. For PSPs, acquirers, and operators in Brazil, the signal is straightforward: this is no longer just a tax and licensing discussion; online casinos are now being singled out politically.

1. Lula said he wants to end bookmakers’ operations in Brazil, arguing that online gambling contributes to addiction and financial hardship. He made the case both at campaign rallies and in a speech to the United Nations this week, while his administration has been preparing a Provisional measure aimed at further restricting gambling operators.
2. Bolsonaro, despite being on the opposite side of the race, has moved in a similar direction. Earlier this week he called for a ban on online casinos, saying that betting on real sporting events such as soccer, volleyball, or tennis involves some oversight, while online casinos should be shut down.
3. According to a Bloomberg report based on AtlasIntel, online casinos currently account for approximately 70% to 80% of licensed operators’ revenue in Brazil. That matters because a ban or hard restriction on casinos would hit the core revenue line for many licensed businesses, not just a side product.
4. Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has been reluctant to support changes, citing its understanding of the betting industry and concern that reforms could reduce tax revenue. The ministry also said 25 million Brazilians placed wagers in 2025, which gives the government a fiscal reason to hesitate even as the political tone turns hostile.
5. The Atlas poll also found that 36% of respondents held Lula responsible for the expansion of online gambling, while 25% blamed former president Jair Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro’s father. More broadly, 75% of Brazilian voters favored banning online betting, while 17% opposed it, and recent reports say over 2 million Brazilians are dealing with a gambling addiction problem, with another 7.5 million classified as problem gamblers.