Brazil Begins Player Refund Process After Nationwide Online Betting Ban
Brazil’s regulated gambling market has entered the refund stage following the nationwide shutdown of licensed betting websites and apps on October 6, 2026.
The ban was introduced under Provisional Measure No. 1,394, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 25, 2026. It covers sports betting and online casino games but excludes lottery products regulated under separate laws.
Operators were required to report remaining player balances to banks on October 7 and 8. Banks must return these funds between October 9 and 14, with Caixa Econômica Federal handling unresolved repayments from October 14.
Federal betting licenses are scheduled for cancellation on October 25, with no refunds of licensing fees.
Finance Minister Dario Durigan stated that the ban affects 85 licensed operators and approximately 180 legal betting brands.
Three legal challenges are currently before Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux. Congress has 120 days to approve, amend, or reject the measure.
The shutdown is also affecting major gambling companies. Entain reduced its 2026 online revenue growth forecast to 4-6%, while Flutter estimated potential revenue losses of approximately $70 million.
Brazilian authorities have also intensified action against illegal gambling platforms. Between September 27 and 29, the government requested the blocking of 5,209 illegal betting websites.
