Temporary measure banning betting in Brazil extended by 60 days

Senator Davi Alcolumbre, President of Brazil's National Congress, extended the validity of the temporary measure banning betting by another 60 days. Although the joint committee has not yet met, Alcolumbre published Decision No. 118 on Wednesday, giving Congress two more months to review the measure. The measure's first deadline was 23 November. The extension would normally have taken effect automatically.

Because Congress is in recess from 23 December to 1 February, the final date for considering the measure has been set as 4 March. It is not yet clear whether there will be enough time for debate within that period.

Temporary Measure No. 1,394 was published in an extra edition of the Official Gazette on 25 September. It completely banned the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of betting platforms nationwide. Operators' temporary licenses were also cancelled as of 25 October.

Many people criticize the ban as a political move by President Lula ahead of the election period. The ban was announced a little over a week before the first round of the presidential election.

About 100 amendments have been submitted to the measure. Most would keep sports betting while banning online casino games. The common point of the amendments is a complete ban on offering, intermediating and marketing online slot games. Some proposals allow the online gaming line to continue for casino games and game aggregators if they obtain technical certification.