Congress extends deadline by 60 days to decide future of betting ban
The 'Bets MP' still needs to be approved by deputies and senators; if not voted on before the recess, the decision will be in the hands of the next legislature.
TL;DR
- Congress extended the validity of a provisional measure banning online betting by 60 days.
- Deputies and senators now have until March 5, 2027, to vote on the measure.
- If not approved, the ban will expire, and betting could resume legally.
- The provisional measure ordered the closure of online betting platforms and prohibited new deposits.
- A committee was created to combat illegal betting operations.
- The government cited domestic budget impacts, mental health, and family debt, estimating R$ 62.5 billion in losses to Brazilian families in 2025 due to online betting.
- The ban's validity is being contested in the Supreme Court (STF) through four direct actions of unconstitutionality.
- Justice Luiz Fux suspended all judicial processes challenging the provisional measure until the STF rules on the merit of the actions.
- Fux justified the suspension to prevent legal uncertainty and acknowledged the social risks associated with lifting the ban.
- A previous conflicting decision by the TRF-3 allowed operations but was later overturned.
- A public hearing was held to discuss the economic and social effects, with Fux concluding that gambling addiction is a public health and economic issue.