Brazil’s National Congress is set to resume its winter recess on 3 August, with the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva intensifying efforts to pass a bill that would ban online casino games in the country. The proposed legislation, Bill PL 2,258/2026, was introduced on 7 May by PT deputy Paulo Pimenta and has now received the backing of the president and his party.
The bill aims to exclude and prohibit online casino games, marking a significant shift in Brazil’s approach to iGaming regulation. The move comes as part of a broader political push by the PT government to tighten restrictions on gambling activities, which have been a subject of intense debate in the country.
Brazil has been gradually building a regulated gambling framework, with sports betting already legalized and online casino games operating under a licensing regime. However, this new legislative effort signals a potential reversal, as lawmakers seek to curb the expansion of online casinos, citing concerns over consumer protection and social impact.
If passed, the ban would have far-reaching implications for operators and providers active in the Brazilian market, many of which have invested heavily in the region. The bill’s progress will be closely watched by the industry, as it could reshape the competitive landscape and set a precedent for other Latin American markets.
Observers will now look to the congressional session starting in August to see whether the bill gains the necessary traction to become law, and how the government plans to balance its regulatory objectives with the economic interests of the sector.