The Brazilian government is contemplating imposing restrictions on online gambling, which may include a ban on the digital casino game known as 'tigrinho.' This move comes as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva elevates gambling as a key issue in his reelection efforts.
According to reports from Folha de S.Paulo, advisors to the government anticipate actions against betting platforms, with Lula's supporters indicating that he is inclined towards strict or potentially total limitations. Even if a more moderate approach is taken, officials expect that tigrinho will be specifically targeted. Discussions about the final decision are set to take place starting Wednesday (23), following Lula's return from the UN General Assembly.
Tigrinho refers to online casino games that are not connected to real-world events, contrasting with sports betting, which relies on outcomes from events like football matches. Sources within the government mentioned by Folha indicate that the casino segment is a significant source of revenue for betting companies.
Implementing a ban could lead to legal and regulatory challenges. Licensed betting operators have each paid R$ 30 million (approximately $5.8 million) for permits that allow them to operate for five years. Officials have cautioned that prematurely terminating these operations could lead to lawsuits and compensation claims against the federal government for the remaining duration of the licenses.
Enforcement poses another challenge, as officials worry that banned platforms could still be accessible, undermining the effectiveness of any restrictions imposed.
The betting sector also wields political influence in the National Congress, where any temporary measures or legislation would need to be addressed. Additionally, betting companies engage in sponsorship of digital influencers, raising concerns among Lula's allies that some might oppose him during the campaign if restrictions impact their businesses.
This issue is already being integrated into campaign materials by the Workers' Party. A television program aired on Tuesday featured Lula interacting with individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The campaign has framed online betting as having been legalized during Michel Temer's presidency and lacking regulation under Jair Bolsonaro's administration.
During recent campaign rallies in Guarulhos, São Paulo, and Florianópolis, Lula has voiced his concerns regarding betting. At the Guarulhos event on Friday, he mentioned organizing a fundraiser to help an individual pay off debts incurred from online gambling.
Lula recounted a poignant moment with this individual, stating: 'I asked, 'are you gambling?'. He began to cry and replied: 'I owe R$ 50, Mr. President. I've already spent your R$ 24 and I owe another R$ 50, I'm going to kill myself.'”.
A Datafolha survey released in May 2026 revealed that 57% of Brazilians view online gambling as an addiction, while 31% see it as a means to lose money.
Online betting was legalized during the Temer administration and remained unregulated throughout Bolsonaro's term. Regulation was finalized under Lula at the end of 2023, with the regulated market commencing operations in 2025 after a transition period, allowing 85 companies to operate after paying R$ 30 million ($5.8 million) each.
Furthermore, Lula's allies have connected betting to rising household debt. A study by Comsefaz (National Committee of Finance Secretaries) and Cicef (Celso Furtado International Center for Development Policies) estimated that Brazilian families lost R$ 62.5 billion ($12.17 billion) to betting platforms in 2025, although this figure has been contested by the BNLData Narrative Seal.
The Workers' Party is also actively sharing anti-betting content on social media, including responses to claims from football clubs that banning betting companies could jeopardize Brazilian football.