Brazil president bans online gambling
The gist
Brazil's Lula signed an executive order banning all sports betting and online casinos.
The ban needs congressional approval within 120 days to stay in force.
How it unfolded
- 2018Online betting was legalized in Brazil under former President Michel Temer.
- 2023Lula signed legislation establishing rules and explicitly authorizing online casino games in addition to sports betting; in December 2023 he signed a law to regulate and tax betting companies for the first time.
- Late 2024Lula's administration finalized regulations, and the president warned he would shut down the industry if the new rules failed to protect bettors.