Brazil's Provisional Measure to Ban Fixed-Odds Betting stalled in Congress with 94 amendments pending

The Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, which proposes a ban on fixed-odds betting in Brazil, is stalled in the chamber due to the commission's failure to formally install and 94 amendments awaiting consideration. The federal government is seeking Congressional approval before 20 December 2026; meanwhile the measure remains administratively in force.

Blockage in committee and legislative timetable

The committee responsible has not yet taken office with a president nor appointed a rapporteur, despite members having received their nominations. Initially 99 amendments were submitted and five were withdrawn, leaving 94 amendments pending. The lack of leadership prevents any amendment from advancing to a vote and the official Congressional register continues to list the measure as “pending commission installation”.

An accelerated procedure begins on 9 November 2026, and the measure enters an ordinary 60-day period that ends on 23 November 2026 before an automatic extension. The legislative calendar pauses for recess from 23 December to 1 February, and BNLData calculates the measure would expire on 4 March 2027 if Congress does not approve it.

Hearing at the Supreme Court and executive branch stance

On 3 November 2026 the Supremo Tribunal Federal will hold a hearing gathering government officials, gaming operators and football clubs; the session was convened by Supreme Court minister Luiz Fux, who has affirmed the measure's formal validity while the dispute is examined.

The Minister of Institutional Relations, José Guimarães (PT), said on 27 October 2026 that the administration aims to approve three priorities before 20 December 2026: the betting MP, the Constitutional Amendment on Public Security and the Zero-Fare Amendment for public transport. “If we vote these three major agendas, we will already be satisfied,” he said.

Fiscal impact and alternatives under discussion

Eliminating regulated betting would mean the loss of federal revenue from operators and the removal of allocations foreseen by Law 14.790/2023 for sports, tourism and the National Public Security Fund. Mandatory spending already represents 91.7% of federal expenditure, leaving 8.3% for investment and public services. Lawmakers will need to adjust the budget, which was presented on 31 August 2026, to accommodate campaign commitments.

Several amendments seek to avoid a total ban. Senator Dr. Hiran (PP-RR) proposes allowing bets on real sporting events while excluding gambling games such as “tigrinho”. Deputy Julio Arcoverde (PP-PI) suggests limiting the ban to unauthorized operators without refunding concession fees or providing compensation. Senator Sargento Reginauro (PSDB-CE) and Deputy Capitán Alden (PL-BA) filed 17 amendments each.

“If we vote these three major agendas, we will already be satisfied,” said José Guimarães on 27 October 2026, referring to the legislative timetable.

Processing will continue in committee and in the plenary while the Supreme Court reviews the dispute and Congress assesses the budgetary consequences.