ANJL: Over 3,500 Brazilian betting workers laid off since Lula's Provisional Measure 1.394 ban

More than 3,500 workers in Brazil's betting industry have lost their jobs since Provisional Measure 1.394 was issued, according to the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL). The measure banned licensed sportsbooks from operating in the country.

The figure represents 23% of the sector's entire workforce. It comes from a partial survey based on data supplied by betting operators and released last Wednesday. The survey covers layoffs and contract terminations since 25 September, the date President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the measure.

Beyond the layoffs already carried out, 4,167 employees are on collective furlough. The ANJL projects that layoffs will reach 5,600 workers within 90 days, which would equal 37% of the sector's workforce.

ANJL president Plínio Lemos Jorge said in a statement sent to betting operators that real numbers are needed to gauge the measure's effects on workers and companies that depend on the activity. He stressed that the sector extends well beyond operators and includes payment processors, marketing firms, compliance providers, agencies, affiliates and specialised media outlets.

The association describes the decision as unconstitutional and says it has yet to be judged by the Supreme Federal Court. Many in the sector have characterised the move as an electioneering strategy. In response, the ANJL and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming filed a lawsuit with the court seeking to overturn the ban.

The lawsuits are under the rapporteurship of Justice Luiz Fux, and a ruling is pending on the preliminary injunction requesting the measure's suspension. According to the ANJL, the delay could turn some of the 4,167 furloughed employees into permanent layoffs. Lemos Jorge said this is another reason for the court to review the suspension request urgently.