Brazil’s supermarket sales growth has been linked to the country’s restrictions on online betting, but, according to the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gambling (IBJR), the available figures do not demonstrate that the policy caused the increase.
The Brazilian Supermarket Association (ABRAS) associated rising food sales with Provisional Measure 1,394/26, which restricted betting operations in the country.
However, according to IBJR, the organization’s own data show that consumption was already increasing before the measure, making it difficult to establish a direct connection.
Other developments may also have influenced household budgets during the same period. These include the release of BR5.2bn ($920m) in salary bonuses and debt renegotiations through the Desenrola Adimplentes program (the Government’s debt program).
The scale of Brazil’s regulated betting market also raises questions about how significantly the restrictions could have affected supermarket revenues in such a short period.
According to the Ministry of Finance, regulated betting generated approximately BR37bn in 2025, after deducting prizes paid to bettors. This represented slightly more than 3% of supermarket sector revenue.
Based on that proportion, IBJR’s data argues that it is unlikely the betting sector could have had a substantial impact on an industry as large as food retail within such a short timeframe. However, it acknowledges that gambling-related financial risks remain for certain consumers.
IBJR has recently challenged the basis of a civil action brought by Brazil's Attorney General's Office against licensed online betting operators, which was planned to reach BR1bn, arguing the claim lacks elements needed to establish liability.
IBJR has recently launched a campaign to challenge what it describes as misinformation about sports betting
