Brazil's Lula bans sports betting days before election, hitting football club sponsors

President Lula has banned sports betting sites in Brazil, a major sponsor of football clubs, just days before a closely contested election. The move appears politically timed, potentially aimed at appealing to voters concerned about gambling harms, but it disrupts club finances and may face legal challenges. The electoral impact is uncertain, as the ban could sway undecided voters or backfire if seen as a populist stunt.