Lawsuits against Brazil's betting ban

In Brazil, three associations filed direct lawsuits with the Supreme Court on September 28 and 29 against the interim decree that introduced the betting ban. Justice Luiz Fux is handling all of the cases filed by Anseja, ANJL and ANPV, the association of mayors. Nineteen requests for preliminary injunctions against the ban have also reached federal courts.

The broadcasters' association Abert applied to the court on September 30. More than twenty football clubs also sought to present their views as interested third parties. Flamengo ranked first among these requests.

The Federal Attorney General's Office fully defended the decree on October 6. The government asked that the Attorney General's opinion be awaited and that a new public hearing be held.

ANJL asks for the suspension of the entire decree and for confirmation that the 2018 and 2023 licensing laws are constitutional. It also wants the freezing of money in operators' accounts and its transfer to Caixa Econômica Federal to be halted. Anseja argues that the decree lacks the constitutional urgency required and covers matters a decree cannot regulate.

ANPV argues that the decree imposes health and security costs on municipalities and that the ban does not eliminate demand. A government statement projects a loss of 1.541 billion reais in federal tax revenue in 2026.