Brazil Online Betting Ban: All Sites Go Offline Oct. 6

Brazil will take all licensed online betting sites and apps offline on Oct. 6. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Provisional Measure No. 1,394 on Sept. 25, banning fixed-odds betting and online casino games.

The measure took effect immediately, ending a regulated market that launched in 2025. It lands days before the Oct. 4 first round of the presidential election, in which Lula is seeking a fourth term. Advertising is also banned, and the rules apply to operators based abroad that serve bettors in Brazil.

Key Dates for Withdrawals, Shutdowns, and Refunds

New deposits have been prohibited since the measure was published. Bettors have until 11:59 p.m. Brasília time on Oct. 5 to withdraw their balances. Starting Oct. 6, betting websites and apps will go offline and disappear from app stores. Anyone who visits a blocked site will be redirected to refund information.

On Oct. 7 and 8, operators must report each customer's balance, identified by their taxpayer registration number (CPF). Remaining balances must be credited to customers' registered accounts between Oct. 9 and 14 to complete full repayment. Operators will process the payments through their partner banks.

Why Lula Banned Online Betting and What Critics Say

Lula said the ban aims to stop families from falling into debt. “Society was left completely unprotected,” he said at the signing event in São Paulo.

Finance Minister Dario Durigan said the measure builds on efforts the government began in 2023.

He estimated that Brazilian households spend about 60 billion reais ($11.57 billion) a year on online betting. The sector generates roughly 10 billion reais ($1.93 billion) a year in tax revenue.

Alongside the ban, the government announced a household debt relief program. Lula's main rival, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, accused him of issuing an “electoral measure.” The president has criticized online betting since at least April, when he called for a ban.

What's Next: Congress Vote, New Penalties, and Industry Fallout

In Brazil, provisional measures carry the force of law immediately. Congress has up to 120 days to approve this one, with or without changes, or it expires. Lawmakers are not expected to take it up until after a possible second round on Oct. 25.

Separately, the government has drafted a bill that would create criminal offenses tied to fixed-odds betting, such as promoting it. Before the ban, industry projections put sector revenue on track to reach a record 16 billion reais ($3.09 billion) in 2026.

Flutter said it was disappointed by the decision and has ceased operations in Brazil. Allwyn, which holds a 36.75% stake in Betano operator Kaizen Gaming, said its 2026 margin guidance would no longer apply if the measure stands. Legal challenges to the measure are expected.