Brazil to Block Sportsbook and Online Casino Sites on October 6 as Industry Turns to Supreme Court

^{Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil / © Shutterstock}

Brazilian betting companies were widely expected to challenge the government’s online gambling ban in court. Flutter Entertainment, the owner of Betfair, also said it was considering all available options, including a legal challenge. However, as of September 29, there has been no public confirmation that any individual betting operator has filed a lawsuit.

Instead, industry bodies have already taken the matter to Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) have asked the court to immediately suspend the ban. A separate lawsuit was filed by the National Association for Legal Security in Gaming and Betting (ANSEJA).

The dispute follows a provisional measure signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 25. It bans fixed-odds betting and online gaming, including online casino games. Under the measure, operators’ websites and apps are due to be blocked from October 6.

ANSEJA has also asked for a transition period of at least 180 days if the ban remains in force. ANJL and IBJR are seeking to keep the existing regulatory framework in place at least until the Supreme Court rules on the issue or Congress considers the measure.

The matter is now before Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux.

Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office (AGU) has requested 72 hours to prepare the government’s response before a decision is made on the request for an urgent suspension.

No ruling has been issued so far. Unless the court intervenes, sportsbook and online casino sites are still due to be blocked on October 6.