Brazilian lawmakers file 92 amendments to Lula's betting ban, with proposals ranging from full reversal to partial limits

The deadline for submitting amendments to Brazil's Provisional Measure (MP) No. 1,394/2026 has passed, and lawmakers have filed 92 suggestions that will be reviewed by a joint committee. The measure, issued by President Lula, abruptly banned all types of fixed-odds betting in the country and has left the industry in turmoil. It is not yet final and remains subject to scrutiny in Congress.

Every one of the amendments would change the original text, though to differing degrees. Some seek to reverse the ban and fully restore the market. Amendments 61 through 64, for example, would reinstate operator licences and instead introduce tougher rules on advertising, responsible play, registration of technology providers, and the detection and prevention of gambling harm.

Another group of proposals takes a compromise approach, prohibiting casino-style gambling while keeping sports betting in place. These suggestions foresee stricter rules on sponsorships, brand placement on team uniforms and the use of AI in marketing. Some would also bar bets on individual in-game events in order to protect the integrity of sport.

Not all of the amendments point toward liberalisation. Some would make it impossible to undo the ban through an administrative act. Even so, many of the stricter proposals accept that the market could reopen, and they suggest measures such as time limits on wagering, bans on certain bet types, session limits, affordability checks and risk-management systems.

The source notes that most lawmakers appear to recognise that a ban will not remove demand for betting. The concern is that Brazilians will move to offshore operators, which often lack consumer protections, have weaker anti-money laundering safeguards and pay no tax. This suggests the measure is likely to be significantly altered.

Industry stakeholders nonetheless fear that damage has already been done. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) said more than 3,500 workers have been laid off as operators cut costs amid the uncertainty, and it estimates job losses could reach 5,600 within 90 days. The country could also forgo about $14.7 billion in tax revenue and face lawsuits from affected operators, while sports leagues and broadcasters have voiced growing discontent.