Brazilian congresswoman Caroline De Toni has introduced Bill No. 5,153/2026, proposing a nationwide ban on online fixed-odds betting. If approved, the bill would effectively dismantle Brazil’s current regulated betting framework and give licensed operators 180 days for their federal authorizations to be cancelled.
Bill Targets Betting Operations and Promotion
The proposal would prohibit the operation, administration, commercialization and intermediation of fixed-odds betting, covering sports, virtual events and other online wagers. It would also target betting websites, physical venues, financial transactions, advertising, sponsorships, bonuses and loyalty programmes.
Paid promotional activities by affiliates and influencers would also be restricted. However, journalistic, academic, scientific and educational content would remain permitted where there is no commercial relationship with an operator.
Authorities could also block betting websites and accounts, remove betting apps from app stores, restrict digital advertising and prevent related financial transactions. Some measures would extend to virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
Licensed Operators Face 180-Day Transition
Existing federal licences would be cancelled within 180 days, regardless of their original terms. During this period, operators would be prohibited from accepting new wagers or deposits.
Operators would then have an additional 90 days to return player balances and pay outstanding winnings. Violations could result in warnings, fines, suspension or blocking measures. Corporate fines could reach 20% of the previous fiscal year’s gross revenue, with a maximum of R$2 billion per violation.
The bill would also introduce criminal penalties for operating or financing fixed-odds betting after the transition period, including prison sentences of two to five years.
Economic and Social Concerns Drive Proposal
De Toni argues that Brazil’s regulated betting market has created growing economic and social concerns. Her proposal cites an estimated R$4.7 billion in average monthly net transfers between October 2024 and March 2026.
The bill will now proceed through Congress, where lawmakers will assess its proposed nationwide ban and the significant regulatory, financial and operational consequences for Brazil’s betting industry.
