Brazil's Lula bans online betting via decree amid election campaign

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has confirmed a provisional measure (MP) banning digital gambling, including online sports betting and casinos, effective October 6, with a withdrawal deadline of October 5. This move, framed as a public health and debt crisis intervention, is highly politicized, occurring nine days before the first round of elections and drawing accusations of electoral opportunism from the opposition. The MP faces anticipated legal challenges and requires congressional ratification within 120 days, creating significant regulatory uncertainty.