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Brazil's government backs bill to ban online casino games

Lula's administration will support legislation banning algorithm-based online casino games while preserving Brazil's regulated sports betting market.

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Key Points
The bill would ban the operation, supply and advertising of algorithm-based online casino games in Brazil, including titles offered by platforms based abroad
The measure would repeal the section of Law 14,790/2023 that authorized betting on virtual online gaming events while preserving licensed fixed-odds sports betting and official lotteries.

Brazil's government will back legislation to ban online casino games while preserving the country's regulated sports betting market.

The National Congress returns from recess on August 3, when lawmakers are expected to resume debate on Bill PL 2,258/2026, introduced by federal deputy Paulo Pimenta.

The bill would prohibit games of chance whose outcomes are generated by electronic systems or algorithms and offered online, including slot titles and games commonly known in Brazil as Jogo do Tigrinho, associated with Fortune Tiger. The proposal would also apply to operators based abroad if their products are made available to Brazilian users, regardless of the currency or payment method used.

In addition to banning the games themselves, the bill would prohibit their operation, supply and advertising, a provision that could also affect affiliates, content providers and influencers who promote online casino products. Pimenta has argued that algorithm-based games pose a greater addiction risk than sports betting because their outcomes are generated electronically rather than determined by independently verifiable sporting events.

The proposal would repeal the section of Law 14,790/2023 that authorized betting on virtual online gaming events while preserving the legal framework for licensed fixed-odds sports betting and official lotteries.

Before it can become law, the bill must be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before receiving presidential assent. It is still awaiting assignment to the relevant congressional committees for review. If enacted, licensed operators would be permitted to continue offering sports betting but would no longer be allowed to offer online casino games.

Good to know

Congress is weighing more than 200 separate proposals to restrict or amend Brazil's Bets Law, alongside the online casino bill

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