Bet365 Challenges Brazil Betting Ban Constitutionality

Bet365 has criticised Brazil’s newly enacted betting ban, arguing that the measure is unconstitutional and could drive customers towards illegal gambling operators.

In a statement to The iGaming Europe, the company said it was disappointed and seriously concerned about the potential impact of the presidential decree on its customers.

According to bet365, removing regulated betting services could weaken customer protection and responsible gambling measures while creating greater opportunities for illegal operators.

A bet365 spokesperson stated:

bet365 is disappointed and deeply concerned for the ongoing welfare of our customers caused by the contents of the presidential decree banning online betting and gaming in Brazil. We are firmly of the view that this decree is unconstitutional and will only serve to push customers away from the regulated sector to the unsafe illegal black market online which pays no tax and has no standards on responsible gaming. bet365 supports the trade bodies with their legal challenges to this decision. We are committed to supporting our customers through this time of uncertainty.

Bet365 obtained a Brazilian gambling licence in February 2025, becoming one of 21 online gambling companies authorised by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets to operate in the country.

Each licence cost R$30 million and provided operators with permission to operate for five years.

However, Brazilian Provisional Measure No. 1.394, published on October 1, 2025, establishes a 30-day period for the licences to cease being valid. The measure also states that money paid for the licences will not be refunded.

The legislation came into force immediately and will be repealed unless Congress approves it within 120 days, excluding parliamentary recesses.

The legal challenges, together with the congressional process, will determine whether online gambling companies such as bet365 can continue operating their services in Brazil.