Brazil Extends Nationwide Betting Ban as Congress Faces 94 Pending Amendments

Brazil's National Congress has extended the validity of Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026 by another 60 days, keeping the nationwide prohibition on fixed-odds betting in force while lawmakers consider competing proposals for the industry's future.

Brazil's betting industry faces a prolonged period of regulatory uncertainty after Senate President Davi Alcolumbre formally extended the validity of the country's betting prohibition.

The decision was signed on November 10 and published in the Official Gazette on November 11 under Act No. 118/2026.

Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026, introduced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 25, prohibits the operation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting throughout Brazil.

The restrictions cover online betting platforms, physical establishments and offshore companies targeting Brazilian consumers. The measure also terminates existing federal authorisations and establishes mechanisms to block unauthorised websites, applications and financial transactions.

The extension provides Congress with additional time to review the measure before deciding whether to convert it into permanent legislation.

According to the congressional timetable, the deadline for deliberation is now March 4, 2027, after accounting for the parliamentary recess.

Lawmakers originally submitted 99 amendments, although five have subsequently been withdrawn, leaving 94 proposals under consideration.

Several opposition legislators have proposed restoring previously issued licences or introducing exceptions to the prohibition. However, the joint congressional committee responsible for examining the measure has yet to begin its work.

The extension follows a series of legal challenges, including a Supreme Federal Court order suspending related proceedings in lower courts.

For previously licensed operators, the decision prolongs uncertainty over market access, existing investments and potential compensation. The upcoming congressional debate will determine whether Brazil maintains its restrictive approach or adopts a modified regulatory framework.