Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux is holding a public hearing on Tuesday to discuss a government measure that bans online betting. At least 22 of the 34 invited speakers have opposed the measure, which covers fixed-odds betting, including sports wagering and online games.
The decree was issued by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 25. Betting industry groups have asked the Supreme Court to overturn it. Fux agreed to hold the hearing after a request from the attorney general’s office, which said it would provide information to help inform his decision.
Those supporting the ban include government bodies such as the ministries of Finance, Health and Sport, as well as the attorney general’s office. The National Confederation of Commerce and the National Confederation of Industry are also expected to argue in favor of the measure.
Opponents include football clubs such as Flamengo, Corinthians and Cruzeiro, the Brazilian Football Confederation, and organizations connected to the betting sector. The hearing initially included 28 organizations, 20 of which had publicly called for the decree to be overturned. Fux added further participants who support the ban after a request from the attorney general’s office, including the Health and Public Security ministries and the Brazilian Supermarket Association.
The hearing begins at 10 a.m. with opening remarks from Fux. The first session will feature 10 football clubs, and each participant will have 10 minutes to speak. The proceedings are expected to run until 5:30 p.m.
The decree prohibits the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds bets across Brazil. Betting sites and apps, along with sponsorships and advertising, went offline on October 6. Congress must consider the measure within 120 days for it to become law permanently. In the meantime, several betting associations and football clubs have sought to challenge it in court.
The government says it has the authority to end lottery activities when their effects pose risks to public health, public safety and families’ well-being. In a submission to Fux, the attorney general’s office cited Health Ministry data showing a 140% rise in public health system visits related to pathological gambling and gambling mania between 2018 and 2025. It also cited an estimate of 30.6 billion reais in annual social costs associated with betting-related health impacts.
Football clubs have raised concerns about the loss of betting-company sponsorship and the effect on their finances. The government is considering ways to support clubs affected by the decree, according to the report.
Sources: CNN Brasil.