Brazilian Football Clubs Defend Bookmakers in Joint Manifesto

^{Logos of the clubs that backed the manifesto and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva}

Major Brazilian football clubs have pushed back against a potential ban on online casinos, warning that the restrictions could reduce bookmakers’ revenue and, in turn, their investment in sport. The joint manifesto, titled “The End of Brazilian Football“, was published on September 17 by the São Paulo State Football Federation (FPF).

The manifesto was backed by Palmeiras, São Paulo, Flamengo, Corinthians and other clubs, as well as regional football federations from several states, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul.

The move comes in response to plans by the Brazilian government to overhaul gambling regulation. According to Reuters, a provisional measure being drafted would ban online casinos while leaving sports betting and bookmaker sponsorships untouched. The final text has not yet been released.

Licensed bookmakers in Brazil are allowed to offer both sports betting and online casino games. Casino products account for a significant share of operators’ revenue, prompting clubs to warn that a ban could reduce bookmakers’ income and lead to cuts in football sponsorship spending.

The manifesto argues that bookmaker funding supports not only major clubs but also youth and women’s football, infrastructure projects and social programs.

Its authors also warn that weakening the regulated market could push players toward illegal gambling sites. Instead of imposing sweeping restrictions, they are calling for tighter oversight of the legal market and a stronger crackdown on illegal operators.

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