A Brazilian federal appeals court has overturned an injunction that allowed online betting platform Stake Brasil to continue operating despite the country's nationwide gambling ban.
The decision was issued by Johonsom Di Salvo, President of the Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region (TRF3), following an appeal by Brazil's Attorney General's Office (AGU).
Stake Brasil had previously secured a temporary injunction permitting its operations to continue until 25 October, despite a provisional measure prohibiting online betting nationwide.
The court found that allowing one operator to remain active while others were subject to the ban would create unequal regulatory conditions and undermine the Government's enforcement policy.
The ruling comes after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 on 25 September, banning the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of online betting services.
Under the measure, operators were immediately prohibited from accepting new bets. Betting websites and applications were required to cease operations from 6 October.
Customers were given until 5 October to withdraw their remaining balances voluntarily. Financial institutions are responsible for returning outstanding funds between 9 and 14 October, with Caixa Econômica Federal available to assist where repayments cannot be completed.
The ban is also facing legal challenges from gambling industry representatives.
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) have sought intervention from the Supreme Federal Court (STF), arguing that the restrictions undermine investments made under Brazil's existing regulatory framework.
The associations have questioned whether the Government demonstrated sufficient urgency to introduce the ban through a provisional measure.
Justice Luiz Fux is overseeing the constitutional challenges. The measure remains subject to congressional approval within its initial 60-day validity period, which can be extended by another 60 days.
Brazil's online betting ban took effect on 25 September 2026
