Justice frees three bets to resume operations in Brazil

The Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region (TRF-3), in São Paulo, authorized the return of the activities of three sports betting platforms in Brazil. The court decision, of a provisional nature, benefits the companies Casa de Apuestas, Betsul and Jogo Online, which belong to the group CDA Gaming. The measure runs counter to the federal government’s ban in September of this year.

The authorization was granted by the federal judge Adriana Pileggi de Soveral, who considered irregular the early interruption of the activities of companies that had received authorization from the government itself to operate in the country.

CDA Gaming appealed to the courts after the suspension of its operations, determined by Medida Provisória No. 1.394/2026, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 25.

Company paid R$ 30 million to operate

One of the main arguments presented in the court decision is that CDA Gaming had paid R$ 30 million to the federal government to obtain the operating authorization, valid until December 31, 2029.

According to the decree, the suspension of activities before the established deadline, without return of the amounts paid or provision for compensation, represents a serious loss to the company.

The magistrate classified the measure as a “true confiscation” and pointed to possible violations of the principles of legal certainty, reasonableness and proportionality.

In the assessment of the release, the public interest does not allow the federal administration to disregard commitments made previously, especially when there are investments made by authorized companies.

Release only applies to three platforms

Despite the decision in favour of CDA Gaming, the authorization does not represent the general return of the bookmakers to the Brazilian market.

The injunction benefits exclusively the three platforms linked to the group. The other companies remain subject to the prohibition established by the federal government.

The decision also determines the re-establishment of the operational, financial and payment services necessary for authorised platforms to resume their activities.

As the measure is provisional, the authorization may be reviewed during the course of the judicial process.

The federal government will appeal the decision

The Advocacy General of the Union (AGU) said it intends to appeal the decision of the TRF-3 to maintain the ban on betting.

The federal government announced the end of bets on September 25, 2026, justifying the measure by concern about the growth of gambling addictions, the indebtedness of Brazilian families and the impacts of bets on public health.

The medida provisória prohibited the exploitation, supply, intermediation and advertising of fixed quota bets throughout the national territory. The timetable set by the government determined the withdrawal of the platforms from the air as of October 6.

Prohibition of bets is also discussed in STF

The decision of TRF-3 comes amid a judicial dispute over the constitutionality of the ban on gambling in Brazil.

Entities representing the sector, such as the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gambling (IBJR), challenge the measure in Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF).

On Tuesday, Minister Luiz Fux gathered government representatives, entities and football clubs to discuss the impacts of the ban.

The minister expressed concern about the effects of bets on the population, but stressed that the issue should be analyzed by the Supreme Court.

Until there is a final decision, the federal ban continues to apply to other companies in the sector, and the resumption of the three authorized platforms remains subject to judicial unfolding.

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