Brazil Lawmakers Clash Over Future of Online Betting

Brazilian lawmakers are asking for more data on the country’s betting market after a public hearing showed a clear split over how fixed-odds betting should be handled.

The debate took place in the Chamber of Deputies and focused on Bill 180/2026. The bill, introduced by Representative Pedro Quizai, would ban the operation, promotion and support of fixed-odds betting across Brazil.

The issue is already large. According to the Ministry of Finance, 31 million CPF numbers are registered on legal betting platforms. That equals about 18% of Brazil’s adult population. Bettors’ real spending, meaning their losses, reached R$36.8bn in 2025.

Lawmakers and officials disagreed on the best way forward. Some argued that regulation is better than a ban because it allows the government to track betting activity, collect taxes and act against illegal operators. Others said the harm is too serious, especially for low-income families.

Quizai defended a full ban, saying betting takes money away from food, medicine and education. He said 62% of bettors earn up to three minimum wages.

Health officials also raised concerns.

“The demand for gambling-related treatment has increased significantly over the past five years,” said Marcelo Kimati Dias from the Ministry of Health.

A self-exclusion tool has been created, but so far it has only around 500 users.

Industry representatives defended the current legal framework. AbraJogo said most users bet for entertainment and argued that illegal operators are the real problem.

Bill 180/2026 is still under review, and more hearings are expected before lawmakers decide whether Brazil should tighten rules or move toward a ban.