Brazil’s Senate Economic Affairs Committee (CAE) is preparing a public hearing on the country’s betting ban as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says he wants online betting platforms to remain in the past of Brazilian history.
The debate was requested by Senator Veneziano Vital do Rêgo of the Brazilian Democratic Movement, who wants to examine the economic and social consequences of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which prohibited betting operations in Brazil.
The date of the hearing has not yet been announced.
Rêgo argued that the expansion of betting platforms poses risks to Brazilian families and said the issue should be considered alongside other social priorities.
The planned hearing comes as the Government defends the measure ahead of its consideration by Congress.
In a nationally televised address, the re-elected President Lula claimed the prohibition was already having a positive effect on the economy, particularly household consumption.
Lula also made clear that he would not support the return of betting platforms to the Brazilian market.
“Betting has destroyed lives and needs to remain in the past, like the nightmare from which Brazil has finally awakened,” he said.
The provisional measure was signed by Lula and Congress must decide whether to approve it before the legislative deadline.
Senate legislative consultant Gilberto Guerzoni explained that provisional measures generally have an initial validity period of 60 days, which can be extended for a further 60 days. However, the parliamentary recess pauses the countdown.
Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux ordered the suspension of legal proceedings challenging the constitutionality of the betting prohibition until the Supreme Federal Court reaches a decision.
Global Gambling Insider was the only industry media outlet covering the Supreme Court’s intervention developments in real time.
Congress is scheduled to begin its recess on 22 December and return on 2 February, meaning the measure’s validity is expected to extend until 4 March
