Caixa has postponed the launch of its planned betting platform, with the project now unlikely to go live before 2027, according to local reports.
The state-owned bank had initially aimed to launch its fixed-odds betting operation in the first half of 2026, positioning the rollout ahead of the FIFA World Cup. However, despite already paying BR30m for the federal license required to operate in the regulated market, the initiative has been repeatedly delayed.
A key factor behind the latest decision appears to be political pressure within the Federal Government.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken an increasingly critical stance toward betting, particularly in relation to household debt, and has publicly questioned whether the sector should continue to operate at all.
This position has been echoed within the ruling party as lawmakers aligned with the Government have already proposed legislation that would prohibit the operation, promotion and facilitation of fixed-odds betting across Brazil.
Against this backdrop, Caixa has stepped back from immediate execution.
"Caixa informs that it constantly analyzes, responsibly and in line with the regulatory environment, opportunities to operate in the fixed-odds betting market,” stated the company.
“To date, no contracts have been signed for the operation of the platform, nor is there any obligation to pay fines related to the matter. Caixa reiterates that its strategic decisions observe technical, legal and sustainability criteria, always in accordance with the guidelines of the Federal Government.”
The delay leaves a gap in the market where Caixa had been expected to play a significant role, particularly given its nationwide distribution network and position within Brazil’s lottery ecosystem.
Caixa has recently introduced stricter controls on Brazil’s instant-payment, Pix, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and oversight
