Online betting has become a major issue in Brazil’s 2026 presidential campaign, with candidates proposing very different approaches — from a complete ban to higher taxes, advertising restrictions and tighter financial controls.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signalled support for further restrictions and said he would like to see betting come to an end. His administration is also considering additional advertising controls and restrictions on using social programme funds for betting.
Flávio Bolsonaro has taken a similar position. His campaign platform also calls for restrictions on the use of social benefit payments for betting.
A more decisive approach is being proposed by Romeu Zema and Missão candidate Renan Santos, both of whom support a complete ban on online betting. Zema has said banning betting would be among his first actions as president.
Ronaldo Caiado is taking a different position. Rather than banning the sector, he proposes tighter monitoring of betting-related financial flows through Coaf and Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service, alongside stricter controls on betting advertising.
Augusto Cury is focusing on taxation. The Avante candidate has called for very high taxes on betting companies to make the market less attractive and increase the sector’s contribution to Brazilian society.
The debate is also spreading to the São Paulo gubernatorial race. Candidates Fernando Haddad and Tarcísio de Freitas have both expressed support for banning online betting.
The 2026 election could therefore have a major impact on Brazil’s regulated betting market, with the proposals ranging from maintaining regulation to imposing a complete industry ban.
Source: BNL Data
