Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called on his 10.4 million online followers to monitor a Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of his decree banning digital betting. In a video selfie recorded after his daily workout, Lula asked civil society to follow the proceedings, which began on Tuesday as the court considered an appeal by the betting industry against the measure.
Lula’s direct appeal to supporters came shortly before the hearing. His digital campaign network was described as a key factor in his recent election victory. André Janones, a lawmaker who created and leads the group, urged supporters to promote the hashtag #BetsNuncaMais and complained that viewers could not comment on the hearing’s YouTube broadcast. He later apologized to the court after learning that disabling comments was standard practice.
Lula’s wife, Janja da Silva, attended the hearing and delivered a report to the case’s rapporteur, titled “Women and Betting: The Cost of Online Gambling for Brazilian Women and Their Families.” The report focused on the effects of online betting on women and families. Paula Lavigne, a cultural producer and the wife of musician Caetano Veloso, also attended.
Lula issued the ban shortly before the election, citing the effects of betting on families’ mental and financial health. Two-thirds of Brazilians support the measure, according to the report. The public hearing initially included more representatives from the betting sector than people affected by gambling or government agencies that assist them.
Online betting generated $75 billion in Brazil during the first half of 2026. About $1.6 billion went to public coffers through taxes, while some studies estimate that online gambling drained $25 billion from the economy. Football club presidents, including those from Flamengo and Fluminense, told the court that losing betting sponsors overnight had caused major financial losses.
Sources: El País Portada.