Lula warns of possible return of bets and calls for mobilization against gambling in Brazil

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke on Tuesday about the possibility of the bets being re-operated in Brazil. In a video released on social networks, Lula asked the company to follow the audiência pública held by Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), which discusses the medida provisória responsible for banning online gambling platforms in the country.

The hearing began at 10 a.m. and is conducted by Minister Luiz Fux, rapporteur of actions that question the constitutionality of the ban. The debate brings together representatives of the federal government, sports entities, football clubs and organizations linked to the betting sector.

Lula criticizes possibility of return of bets

In the recording, made after his routine of physical exercises, the president showed concern about the number of participants favorable to the continuity of betting companies.

“It is important that civil society follow up, because I think there are more people participating who are interested in the bets continuing to work than people who are against the bets,” Lula said.

The president also said that the closure of the platforms’ activities would have led to improvements in the lives of Brazilians, especially among lower-income families.

“You know things started to get a lot better after the bets closed,” he said.

Lula also criticized the economic interests related to the sector and highlighted the impacts of bets on people in a situation of financial vulnerability.

According to the president, there are companies and groups interested in continuing to profit from people who bet necessary resources for their own sustenance, motivated by the expectation of enrichment.

STF discusses ban on betting

The discussion comes after the edition of Medida Provisória no 1.394/2026, which prohibited the exploitation of fixed quota bets in Brazil and determined the closure of the authorizations granted to companies in the sector.

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) questioned the measure in STF, requesting its suspension and the recognition of the validity of the legislation that regulated the betting.

Among the arguments presented in the debate are the economic impacts of the ban, legal certainty, existing contracts and the social consequences related to online gambling.

During the opening of the hearing on Tuesday, Luiz Fux also defended the ban on bets. The minister stated that he had already heard anti-gambling organizations at a hearing held in 2024 and that the new meeting seeks to gather additional elements for the analysis of the other members of the Supreme Court.

The President appeals to the people

In closing the video, Lula reinforced his position against the return of betting platforms and called for popular participation in the follow-up of the discussions.

"Civil society cannot allow the continuity of bets, so I am counting on you," he said.

The audiência pública is for informational purposes and does not represent, in itself, a decision on the release of bets. The eventual lifting of the ban will depend on a court decision, while the medida provisória is also subject to the analysis of the Congresso Nacional.

The debate on the future of betting remains open and involves economic, legal and public health issues.

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