Brazilian President bans online gambling ahead of presidential election
Brazilian President Lula signed a provisional order banning all sports betting and online casinos just days before the presidential election's first round.Summary
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional order on Friday banning all sports betting and online casinos in Brazil, less than two weeks before the first round of the presidential election in which he seeks a fourth term. The online gambling industry was legalised in 2018 but has since been widely blamed for household income losses due to addiction. Lula described the industry as a "cancer" and signed a separate bill establishing criminal offences related to fixed-odds betting. Punters and bookmakers have until 5 October to withdraw funds from online betting accounts, while new deposits are barred. The measures must receive congressional approval within 120 days to remain in force. Lula's rival, Flávio Bolsonaro — son of incarcerated former president Jair Bolsonaro — called the crackdown "populist, hypocritical and politically motivated." Brazilian football teams, including Grêmio, warned the ban could cost them revenue as betting firms pull sponsorships. Recent polls show 80-year-old Lula almost neck-and-neck with Bolsonaro in the race.
(Source：The Nation)