Brazil's Supreme Court sets public hearing date on betting ban

Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux announced that a public hearing on betting-related cases will be held on November 3 at 10:00 in the court's Second Panel. The request was submitted by the Attorney General's Office, by those who filed direct unconstitutionality actions, and by institutions joined as parties to the case.

At the center of the discussion is Temporary Decree No. 1,394, issued by President Lula one month ago. The decree prohibits operating, offering, intermediating and advertising betting in Brazil. Industry associations, some media companies and football clubs have argued that the decree is unconstitutional and have asked for its enforcement to be suspended.

The Attorney General's Office, for its part, has asked for the ban to be fully maintained, arguing that the state has the authority to determine which games of chance may be operated. Fux said the matter needs urgent handling because of the decree's deadlines and its effects on the economy, particularly on football.

The hearing will not be limited to the temporary decree. Fux has also decided that other cases concerning the betting market will be considered in the same session. In addition, the court previously held a public hearing on gambling addiction and used the findings from that process in its ruling on games of chance.