Brazilian lawmakers propose 97 amendments to fixed-odds betting ban
The amendments seek to restore licensed operations under stricter rules or to impose further restrictions on games.
Lawmakers in Brazil have put forward 97 amendments to a provisional measure that bans fixed-odds betting. The October 13 deadline saw 38 new submissions, bringing the total from 18 deputies and six senators to 97, with five later withdrawn. Congress is now largely debating the extent of changes to the measure, not whether to change it at all. The joint committee appointed to review the measure on September 30 has not yet been formed.
One key proposal from Congressman Mauricio Neves (PP-SP) seeks to replace the outright prohibition with stricter regulation under existing law. His amendment would reinstate canceled licenses, extend their terms and limit advertising to brand mentions only. It would mandate financial checks, require technology providers to register and force the removal of illegal ads within 48 hours. Regulatory oversight would be funded by inspection fees, and state lotteries would remain protected.
Neves argues that the ban pushes demand to unlicensed operators. "Betting demand migrates to operators who do not comply with requirements for identification, protection of minors, and prevention of money laundering," his amendment states. Other proposals from lawmakers like Bebeto (PP-RJ) and Captain Alden (PL-BA) also aim to shield licensed operators. Bebeto estimates that 44 percent of betting already takes place on illegal platforms.
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Several amendments address financial concerns for operators. Captain Alden seeks refunds for licensing fees, adjusted by the Selic interest rate, while Julio Arcoverde (PP-PI) opposes any compensation. Each five-year license had cost R$30 million, or about $5.9 million. On advertising, Marcos Braz (PSDB-RJ) wants to allow existing sports sponsorships to continue for up to 24 months. Julio Lopes (PP-RJ) and Alden propose protecting ads already published and permitting sales of existing branded merchandise.
Some lawmakers support keeping sports betting but banning casino style games, a view shared by presidential candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ). Senators Marcos Pontes (PL-SP) and Dr. Hiran (PP-RR) target virtual gambling restrictions. Pedro Aihara (PP-MG) and Julio Lopes aim to prohibit slot style games, while Marcos Braz would also ban bets on individual match events. Senator Sergeant Reginauro (PSDB-CE) submitted 16 amendments, including permanent casino restrictions and rules for any future market reopening.
Other proposals focus on the use of funds from enforcement actions. Nine amendments aim to redirect money confiscated from illegal betting away from public security and toward health, addiction treatment and sports. Separate amendments would revise rules for digital platform advertising, judicial oversight of fines, blocking of Pix payment accounts and exemptions for regulated financial derivatives. The provisional measure is scheduled to begin blocking Congress's agenda on November 9 and will expire on November 23 unless extended. Significant progress is not expected before the October 25 presidential runoff.