Context of the Government Decision
Last Friday (25), the federal government issued a provisional measure that immediately bans the operation, offer and advertising of online betting and fixed-odds lotteries in the country. The rule requires sites and apps to go offline by October 6.
Entities Appeal to the Supreme Court
This Monday (28), ANJL (National Association of Games and Lotteries) and IBJR (Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming) filed a request with the STF (Federal Supreme Court) to suspend the effects of the MP. The document was sent to Justice Luiz Fux, rapporteur of cases on the subject.
The organizations ask that the measure remain suspended until Congress examines the text or until the merits of the request are judged.
Main Arguments Presented
- The MP causes serious and possibly irreversible economic impacts on the market.
- No urgency justifying the issuance of the rule was demonstrated.
- The shutdown timeline does not allow strategic planning for already authorized companies.
- The new rule contradicts Law 14.790/2023, sanctioned by the government itself in 2023.
Investments Made
Operators stress that they paid R$ 30 million for a license, set up financial reserves and met strict compliance requirements to operate under Executive oversight. Now, they say, the State is abruptly changing the rules of the game.
The text sent to the STF highlights that the measure undermines investor confidence in Brazil's business environment.