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Brazil lawmakers file 97 amendments to betting ban, seek to restore regulated market

Brazilian lawmakers have submitted 97 amendments to Provisional Measure No. 1.394/2026, which prohibits fixed-odds betting, with several proposals seeking to restore licensed operations while imposing tighter restrictions on online gambling.

The October 13 deadline saw 38 submissions, bringing the total to 97 from 18 deputies and six senators. Five were withdrawn, leaving 92 for congressional review. Congress is mostly not debating whether to change the provisional measure, but rather how much to change, according to BLN Data’s analysis of the proposals.

Congressman Mauricio Neves (PP-SP), through Amendment 64, proposes replacing the prohibition with stricter regulation under Law No. 14.790/2023. His proposals would restore canceled licenses, extend authorization periods, restrict advertising to brands, and require financial checks, technology provider registration, and removal of illegal advertising within 48 hours. Inspection fees would fund regulatory oversight, while state lotteries would retain protection.

The justification argues that betting demand “migrates to operators who do not comply with requirements for identification, protection of minors, and prevention of money laundering.” Bebeto (PP-RJ), Átila Lira (PP-PI) and Captain Alden (PL-BA) submitted related proposals protecting licensed operators. Bebeto estimates that 44% of betting already occurs on illegal platforms.

Among the proposals, Alden seeks proportionate refunds of licensing fees adjusted by the Selic rate, while Julio Arcoverde (PP-PI) opposes compensation. Each five-year license cost R$30 million ($5.9 million).

Marcos Braz (PSDB-RJ) proposes retaining existing betting sponsorships on uniforms and in arenas for up to 24 months. Julio Lopes (PP-RJ) and Alden would protect previously published advertising and permit sales of existing branded merchandise. Bebeto would allow advertising but prohibit new stadium and competition naming-rights agreements.

Other lawmakers favor retaining sports betting while banning casino-style games, a position also held by presidential candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ). Senators Marcos Pontes (PL-SP) and Dr. Hiran (PP-RR) propose restrictions on virtual gambling. Pedro Aihara (PP-MG) and Julio Lopes target slot-style games, while Marcos Braz would also prohibit betting on individual match events. Senator Romário withdrew a proposal limiting wagers to final scores and goal differences.

Senator Sergeant Reginauro (PSDB-CE) submitted 16 amendments, including permanent casino restrictions and conditional safeguards for any future reopening, covering betting hours, live wagers, cash-outs, financial checks and licensing penalties.

Nine amendments seek to redirect confiscated illegal betting proceeds from public security toward health, addiction treatment and sports. Other proposals address indebted families, outstanding sports allocations and the distribution of social funding.

Separate amendments would revise digital platforms’ advertising responsibilities, judicial control over fines, Pix account blocking and exemptions for regulated derivatives. The original September 25 amendment deadline was extended to ensure parliamentary participation following the first election round.

The joint committee, appointed September 30, remains unconstituted. The measure begins blocking Congress’s agenda November 9 and expires November 23 unless extended by 60 days, with recess suspending the countdown. Progress is expected to remain limited before the October 25 presidential runoff, while Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux oversees legal challenges.

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