Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux is expected to rule on the validity of the provisional measure that banned online sports betting in Brazil after the conclusion of the second round of elections, according to local media reports.
In the meantime, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) keeps facing legal challenges from gambling industry associations, broadcasters and football clubs over Provisional Measure 1.394 of 2026. Enacted last month, the measure prohibits online sports betting and restricts gambling-related commercial activities.
The dispute has raised concerns among Brazilian football clubs over the financial consequences of restrictions on betting sponsorships and advertising. São Paulo Futebol Clube, Ponte Preta, Guarani, Portuguesa and Vitória have requested a transition period of up to one year to comply with the new regulations.
In a petition filed on October 1, the five clubs warned that the restrictions could result in the suspension of the Brazilian Championship. They also argued that the government has a responsibility to protect football as a “Brazilian cultural heritage.”
Other clubs have sought involvement in the proceedings. Flamengo and Botafogo requested permission to participate as amici curiae, with Botafogo arguing that the measure affects football and “that which it sustains: women’s football, Olympic and Paralympic sports, and youth categories.”
Cruzeiro, Fluminense and 14 additional clubs subsequently asked to be heard by the court on October 2. They supported a request from the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) to suspend the restrictions pending congressional consideration.
The legal challenges also extend to Brazil’s broadcasting industry. The Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert) approached the STF on September 30, arguing that the advertising restrictions prevented broadcasters from “executing agreements duly signed” and resulted in “revenue losses.”
The ANJL and IBJR were among the first organizations to contest the measure, filing requests for preliminary relief on September 28. Both associations sought to prevent its implementation until Congress or the full Supreme Federal Court could examine its legality.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed the provisional measure on September 25, introducing changes to Brazil’s fixed-odds betting regulatory framework. The legislation prohibited the operation, intermediation, and advertising of online casinos and gambling activities nationwide.
The federal government has defended the restrictions. Following an order from Fux on October 2 giving authorities 72 hours to provide information about the prohibition, the Attorney General’s Office (AGU) submitted its response on October 6, supporting the measure’s continued enforcement.
Fux, who serves as rapporteur for the constitutional challenges, is responsible for examining six Direct Actions of Unconstitutionality concerning the issue. These include ADI 8024, filed by ANSEJA; ADI 8027, brought by ANJL and IBJR; ADI 8028, from ANPV; ADI 7721, from CNC; and ADIs 7723 and 7749, filed by the PGR.
According to Poder360, Fux is expected to determine whether the suspension of betting platforms should remain in effect or be lifted before the full court considers the constitutional questions.