Brazil Election Puts Online Betting Under Scrutiny

Online betting has emerged as a significant issue in Brazil’s 2026 presidential election, with leading candidates offering sharply different proposals for the future of the regulated market. Their positions range from completely banning betting to increasing taxes, tightening advertising rules and introducing stronger financial oversight.

The political discussion comes as Brazil’s regulated betting sector continues to operate under federal legislation. Concerns over gambling-related pressure on household finances and the continued presence of illegal operators remain central to the debate.

Recent polls have included several national political figures, including Lula, Flávio Bolsonaro, Ronaldo Caiado, Romeu Zema, Renan Santos and Augusto Cury.

Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Back Stronger Restrictions

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has indicated that he is considering measures that could further restrict online sports betting. In interviews with the Não Inviabilize and As Cunhãs podcasts, Lula said that, if it were up to him, betting would come to an end.

Lula has also criticised the spread of betting platforms, particularly their presence on children’s devices. His administration is considering additional measures involving the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Justice.

The government has already introduced tighter advertising rules, while the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting temporarily blocked the websites of six companies for violating regulations.

Lula’s proposed government platform also includes preventing social-program funds from being used for betting. Flávio Bolsonaro, identified as one of Lula’s main presidential opponents, has included a similar betting prohibition in his own platform.

His document states that money intended to provide food for families should not be spent at betting houses. Restrictions on betting with funds received through Bolsa Família and the BPC are already in place.

Zema and Renan Santos Call for a Full Ban

Romeu Zema has taken one of the strongest positions against the regulated betting sector, openly supporting a complete prohibition.

The former governor of Minas Gerais has said that online betting should be banned and that doing so would be his “first act” if elected president.

Speaking at an event involving women affected by gambling among family members, Zema compared gambling addiction with chemical dependency. He argued that Brazil faces a serious problem that authorities appear to be overlooking.

Renan Santos, the presidential candidate for Missão, has also promised to prohibit online betting.

During a debate organised by the National Union of Trade and Services Entities, Santos described betting as one of the most harmful substances a person could consume besides crack and challenged the idea that betting can be presented as a way to generate income.

Caiado Favors Financial and Advertising Controls

Ronaldo Caiado has taken a different position, stopping short of supporting a complete ban and instead proposing tighter financial monitoring and advertising restrictions.

The PSD candidate wants betting-related financial movements to face greater oversight through the Council for Financial Activities Control (Coaf) and the Federal Revenue Service.

Caiado has also criticised what he considers excessive betting advertising. He said limiting advertising that encourages people to participate would be among his initial measures in government.

However, he has not clearly stated whether he would support an outright prohibition when questioned about the issue.

Augusto Cury Calls for Higher Taxes

Augusto Cury has proposed taxation as a way to discourage betting activity.

During the same business-sector debate, the Avante candidate argued that betting companies should face very high taxes alongside strict regulation.

Cury said increased taxation could act as a deterrent and ensure that money generated by the betting sector does not disproportionately benefit companies operating in the market.

The candidates’ positions demonstrate the broad range of policies being discussed during the 2026 campaign, stretching from a complete market ban to a regulated system with higher taxation and stronger restrictions.

Betting Debate Extends to São Paulo

The political discussion is also taking place in the São Paulo gubernatorial race.

Both Fernando Haddad and Tarcísio de Freitas have expressed support for banning online betting.

Tarcísio has argued that Brazil must either end betting or face serious consequences from the sector. Haddad has likewise spoken against online betting and said there should be a serious discussion about prohibition, while acknowledging that regulation of the activity falls under federal rather than state jurisdiction.

With Brazil’s 2026 election campaign underway, online betting has become a clear policy issue. The proposals currently being discussed include prohibition, higher taxes, advertising restrictions, closer monitoring of financial transactions and stronger consumer protections.