The President linked online gambling to the issue of rising debts as he consulted with business, religious, health and consumer protection groups. However, gambling industry organisations, including the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), were not invited.
Doubling down on his disdain for the sector, Lula described it as a ‘societal ill’ and reiterated his preference to ‘put an end to gambling’.
Although he said that ‘two-thirds’ of the decision had already been made, Lula told attendees that he would listen to Brazilian society before determining the fate of the market – which only opened at the beginning of 2025.
He added: “As President of the Republic, I have to understand that there are other things I have to share, decisions so that we can do things in the mo..