Brazil Betting Bodies Ask Supreme Court to Suspend Ban

Brazil’s National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) have asked the Supreme Federal Court to suspend the country’s recent ban on online betting, arguing that it is unconstitutional and could drive players toward illegal platforms.

The organizations submitted their request to Justice Luiz Fux following the introduction of Provisional Measure 1,394 on September 25.

In a joint submission to the Supreme Federal Court, ANJL and IBJR argue that the government has not demonstrated the urgency needed to justify the measure. They also say withdrawing authorizations undermines legal certainty for operators that paid BRL30 million (approx. $5.7 million) for licences and invested in security and responsible gambling systems.

The government introduced the ban citing public health and financial harm. However, the trade bodies warn that closing regulated platforms could weaken consumer protections and AML controls by pushing betting activity into the black market.

Studies cited in their submission estimate that illegal operators already account for between 41% and 51% of Brazil’s betting market. The organizations say these platforms offer fewer safeguards, including identity checks, deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools. Their submission also challenges the absence of a budgetary impact assessment, citing BRL9.95 billion (approx. $1.91 billion) in federal taxes generated by the sector in 2025.

ANJL and IBJR want the measure suspended pending congressional consideration or a Supreme Court ruling. Alternatively, they seek at least six additional months to meet its deadlines, alongside protection against asset freezes and licence revocations during any suspension.

A separate industry body, the National Association for the Legal Security of Games and Betting (Anseja), has also filed a constitutional challenge seeking urgent suspension of the measure.