ANJL asks Lula for talks to restore Brazil’s regulated betting market
Association seeks dialogue after federal ban and has filed a Supreme Court challenge.
Key Takeaways
- ANJL has requested talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to seek restoration of Brazil's regulated betting market.
- The association says the federal ban disrupted the industry 22 months after its launch.
- Industry payments to state coffers were BRL9.95 billion in 2025; lottery and betting revenues were BRL11.1 billion in 2026 before the ban.
- ANJL and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming filed a challenge at the Supreme Federal Court, which set a public hearing for 3 November.
ANJL, the National Association of Games and Lotteries, has asked re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for renewed dialogue to seek restoration of Brazil’s regulated betting market. The association said the federal betting ban disrupted the industry 22 months after its launch and has filed a legal challenge to suspend the measure.
"The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) congratulates President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election," said ANJL in its statement, adding it hopes dialogue will be restored and the rule of law will prevail.
Financial impact and government receipts
ANJL highlighted the sector's fiscal contributions before the ban. In 2025 the industry delivered BRL9.95 billion to state coffers, and total revenues from the lottery and betting industry reached BRL11.1 billion in 2026 prior to the ban. The association warned the prohibition risks driving gamblers to illegal sites where there is no consumer protection, no age control, taxes are not collected and withdrawals may be unreliable.
Legal and political steps
ANJL said it wants a democratic and transparent review of the restrictions and argues that enforcement should prioritise illegal operators rather than licensed companies. The association filed a joint legal challenge with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) at Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court seeking suspension of the betting ban. The Supreme Federal Court has scheduled a public hearing for 3 November; Justice Luiz Fux set the hearing to hear arguments from industry representatives and other stakeholders.
ANJL also pledged to work with the National Congress and the Executive Branch to improve the regulated market and combat illegal betting. The association describes itself as the representative body for fixed-odds betting companies in Brazil and framed its approach around restoring dialogue with the federal government and upholding the democratic rule of law. For regulatory coverage see regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has ANJL asked President Lula to do about the betting market?
ANJL has asked President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for renewed dialogue aimed at restoring Brazil's regulated betting market and upholding the rule of law. The association represents fixed-odds betting companies and says the ban disrupted the industry 22 months after its launch.
How much did the betting and lottery industry contribute to state coffers before the ban?
The industry paid BRL9.95 billion into state coffers in 2025, and total revenues from the lottery and betting industry were BRL11.1 billion in 2026 before the ban was introduced.
What legal action has been taken against the betting ban?
ANJL and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) filed a legal challenge at Brazil's Supreme Federal Court seeking suspension of the betting ban. The court scheduled a public hearing for 3 November to hear arguments from industry representatives and other stakeholders.
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Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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