Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has intensified his criticism of the betting industry as his government prepares a provisional measure expected to restrict gambling advertising and potentially prohibit online casinos.
Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Lula delivered one of his strongest public attacks on the sector to date.
“The billion-dollar Betting industry turns addiction into profit. Its dizzying spread is indebting and destroying homes. Brazil will not tolerate this business model,” he stated. “We have approved one of the most advanced laws in the world to protect children, adolescents, and women in the digital environment.”
Despite what was said at the UN, the government is not expected to pursue a complete betting ban. According to a report published Tuesday by Platô, Lula intends to issue a provisional measure after returning from the United States, with restrictions likely to focus on betting advertising. A ban on certain online casino products is also being considered.
Brazil currently has 188 legal betting sites, and the government wants to avoid a wave of legal challenges from companies already authorized to operate, according to the report.
Political considerations are also shaping the proposal. Platô reported that presidential allies believe restrictions on betting advertising could generate electoral support among women and evangelical voters, where concerns over electronic gambling and household indebtedness are significant. Lula is campaigning for a fourth presidential term.
The government is also anticipating opposition from football clubs and cultural organizations that receive sponsorship from betting companies.
During the same UN speech, Lula pledged to “ensure fair remuneration for artists, musicians, and creators of audiovisual content”. The statement was interpreted as a reference to Paula Lavigne of the 342 Artes collective, which organized the “Block no Tigrinho” campaign urging artists and sponsors to end relationships with betting operators.
Lula had already escalated his rhetoric before traveling to New York. Appearing alongside former Finance Minister Fernando Haddad on Friday, he described internet betting as “a disease” and stated: “If it depends on my will, I will put an end to these bets.”