Brazil’s ruling Workers’ Party has submitted a new bill to Congress proposing a complete prohibition of online gambling across the country, with an aim to repeal the existing Bets Law and implement the ban from January 1, 2025.
The proposed legislation is comprehensive, targeting all facets of the online gambling ecosystem. It seeks to outlaw not only the operation of online betting platforms but also their associated advertising, payment processing, and sponsorship activities within Brazil. This move signals a significant reversal in the country’s approach to the burgeoning online betting market.
Currently, the online betting sector in Brazil has been experiencing substantial growth. Data from the first five months of 2026 reveals that betting revenue reached $1.18 billion, with tax receipts from the industry climbing by 86% during the same period. This financial performance underscores the economic scale of the market that the new bill proposes to dismantle.
The existing Bets Law, which the Workers’ Party bill aims to repeal, has permitted a regulated framework for online sports betting and certain online casino games. The proposed prohibition would effectively close off one of Latin America’s largest and fastest-growing markets for online gambling operators.
Key takeaways
- Brazil’s ruling Workers’ Party has introduced a bill to completely ban online gambling.
- The proposed prohibition would take effect from January 1, 2025, and repeal the current Bets Law.
- The ban targets online platforms, advertising, payment processing, and sponsorships.
- Brazil’s betting market generated $1.18 billion in revenue in the first five months of 2026.
For players in Brazil, the passage of this bill would mean an end to legal access to online sports betting and casino games. Operators currently active or planning to enter the Brazilian market would face an immediate need to cease operations and withdraw their services, representing a significant loss of market opportunity and investment.
The wider online gambling industry would also feel the impact, as Brazil is a key territory in the Latin American expansion strategies of many global companies. A complete ban would force a re-evaluation of regional growth projections and potentially influence regulatory discussions in neighboring countries.
What does the proposed bill in Brazil aim to do?
The bill aims to enact a full prohibition on online gambling in Brazil, including platforms, advertising, payments, and sponsorships, by repealing the existing Bets Law.
When would the ban take effect if passed?
The proposed effective date for the ban is January 1, 2025.
What is the current state of Brazil’s online betting market?
The market has been growing significantly, with revenues reaching $1.18 billion in the first five months of 2026, and tax receipts increasing by 86% over the same period.
