Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) has scheduled a public hearing for 3 November 2026 to address legal challenges to the country’s betting ban, including Provisional Measure (MP) 1.394/2026. The hearing follows lawsuits filed by industry associations ANJL and IBJR, which seek to suspend the ban and reinstate the previous betting regulations.
Wide-Ranging Participation in Public Hearing
Justice Luiz Fux, the rapporteur for the case, has invited 26 participants to the hearing, among them 10 football clubs, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, and several industry associations. The session will take place in the STF’s Second Panel room, and comes before any Supreme Court decision on the matter. No injunction has been granted to suspend the ban ahead of the hearing.
Congressional Timeline and Regulatory Uncertainty
The fate of the Provisional Measure remains undecided in Congress, with a deadline of 23 November for lawmakers to act. Should Congress fail to vote on the MP by that date, its validity will be extended for another 60 days, potentially keeping the ban in place until March 2027 due to the parliamentary recess. The MP, which recently extinguished existing gambling licences, has prompted over 90 proposed amendments, most seeking to maintain sports betting while prohibiting online casino games.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The upcoming hearing is significant for operators, affiliates, and suppliers as it will determine the legal landscape for betting and online casino activities in Brazil. The lack of clarity over the MP’s future and the ongoing judicial process create uncertainty for businesses holding or seeking licences. Individual operators may also pursue legal remedies in other courts, as demonstrated by recent actions from some market participants.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
After the hearing, Justice Fux will decide on the injunction request, with the full court required to confirm or overturn his decision. A final ruling on the merits will depend on further filings from the President’s office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Prosecutor General’s Office. Observers note that the hearing could also open the door to a potential settlement between government, operators, and football clubs.
Key takeaways
- Brazil's Supreme Court will hold a hearing on 3 November 2026 about the betting ban.
- Major industry and football stakeholders are invited to participate.
- No suspension of the ban has been granted pending the hearing.
- Uncertainty persists for operators as Congress and the courts consider the MP’s future.
Update (28.10.2026)
The Supreme Court hearing will now include representation from several key organizations: the National Association for Legal Certainty in Games and Betting (ANSEJA), the National Association of Mayors, and the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters, all of whom have challenged the President’s decision. The Brazilian Association of Criminal Lawyers and the Brazilian Association for Economic Freedom will also participate. Notably, industry representatives, previously excluded, will now be part of the Supreme Court discussions. Meanwhile, Minister José Guimarães emphasized that the betting ban remains a legislative priority for Congress, alongside other major initiatives, as President Lula seeks to advance his agenda before the new legislative session in 2027, despite significant opposition from Bolsonaro-aligned lawmakers.
Update (29.10.2026)
Justice Luiz Fux issued the order for the November 2026 hearing on October 26, immediately following the second round of voting. Provisional Measure 1.394/2026 remains active, and any operating authorizations that expired on October 25 are still not valid. The ongoing restrictions have significantly impacted football sponsorships, leading to contract terminations, suspensions, and renegotiations; notably, betting companies contributed 7.9% of Brazilian Série A clubs' revenue from direct sponsorships in 2025. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has yet to make a public statement regarding the situation. One proposal reportedly discussed prior to the election would allow sports betting but ban online casinos and slots. On October 6, the Attorney General's Office requested that interim injunctions be denied, that it be consulted before any rulings, and that discussions from November 2024 be revisited. The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on economic and legal aspects, contrasting with the 2024 hearing's emphasis on mental health. Additional associations, including AIGAMING, Abracopel, ANPV, Abert, CNI, ABLE, UERJ's Economic Regulation Laboratory, and Abracrim, have been invited, while Congress, several ministries, Caixa Econômica Federal, football leagues, gamblers' representatives, and the Brazilian Institute of Legal Gambling are excluded. Justice Fux has previously characterized betting as a 'new and detrimental market activity.' The sector has now endured over a month of disruption since September 25, resulting in lost revenue and suspended payments to legally designated beneficiaries.
Update (30.10.2026)
The provisional measure banning fixed-odds betting is currently stalled, as a congressional committee has yet to be fully established—members have been nominated, but no president or rapporteur has been appointed. This has delayed the review of 94 pending amendments, out of an initial 99 submitted. Notable proposals include Senator Dr. Hiran's restriction of betting to actual sporting events, excluding games like 'tigrinho,' and Representative Julio Arcoverde's suggestion to limit the ban to unauthorized operators and deny refunds or compensation for concession fees. The measure will move to an expedited legislative process on November 9, at which point it will block the agenda of the chamber considering it. If not approved, it will expire on March 4, 2027, factoring in the legislative recess. The proposed ban could eliminate federal revenue streams from betting operators and affect allocations for sports, tourism, and public security as outlined in Law 14.790/2023. With mandatory spending making up 91.7% of the 2027 federal budget, only 8.3% remains for investments and public services, highlighting the need for budget adjustments to meet campaign promises.