Brazil bans betting and online casinos: what changes on 6 October?

NEWS • THE WORLD OF iGAMING

Brazil is introducing a ban on fixed-odds betting and online casino games. Signed on 25 September, medida provisória No. 1.394/2026 changes the rules for one of iGaming's most important new markets. For users, the next significant date is 5 October; for platforms, it is 6 October. We explain the decision's scope and what remains uncertain.

What does the Brazilian ban cover?

The measure covers fixed-odds betting on sporting events and online casino games, through both physical and virtual channels. It also applies to foreign companies offering these services to people located in Brazil. It does not ban every type of lottery: other lottery formats retain their separate rules.

Previously issued authorisations are due to expire 30 days after publication of the measure. This deadline is separate from the obligation to shut down websites and apps. The distinction matters: the formal licence phase-out period does not mean platforms can continue operating under the previous rules throughout that time.

5 and 6 October: the key deadlines

The Brazilian government's published timetable identifies these stages:

• 25 September — a ban on accepting new deposits.
• Until 5 October, 23:59 — the period for users to withdraw balances voluntarily, according to the Brazilian authorities' timetable.
• From 6 October — shutdown of the websites and apps covered by the ban.
• 7–14 October — subsequent stages of transferring information to banks and returning remaining funds.

The government also provided for further handling of funds that cannot be returned through normal banking procedures. This timetable concerns the Brazilian market. It should not be applied to accounts in other countries or treated as a change to Polish law.

Flutter suspended operations and is assessing the impact

In a statement dated 28 September, Flutter confirmed the suspension of sports betting and iGaming in Brazil. The company said it was reviewing available options, including an appeal, and engaging with the authorities.

Flutter estimated that, if operations remained closed until year-end, the impact would be approximately million on revenue and million on adjusted EBITDA. This is a conditional company forecast. It is neither an industry-wide loss already incurred nor a certain financial result for the operator.

The decision is in force, but the dispute continues

A medida provisória takes effect immediately, while its subsequent status depends on the parliamentary process. Flutter says congressional approval or amendment should occur within 120 days. The current situation should therefore not be described as an unconditional, final closure of the market forever.

The timetable presented here comes from available official statements. Further parliamentary or court decisions may affect the situation, so subsequent developments need to be checked against official sources.

Why does this matter to iGaming?

Our assessment: events in Brazil show that a market's commercial potential and the predictability of its regulation are two different issues. An operator can develop its offering and hold an authorisation, yet still face an abrupt change in its legal environment.

For the industry, protecting users' balances, communicating clearly and processing refunds efficiently are now particularly important. For the media, the priority is to distinguish decisions currently in force from company forecasts and arguments raised in the dispute. Radio Sloty will assess further information on that basis.

Find more context in our Law and Regulation section.

Sources and verification

• Text of medida provisória No. 1.394/2026 — Planalto
• Brazil's Ministry of Health — information about the decision
• Ministry of Justice — implementation timetable dated 2 October
• Flutter — company statement

Flutter's statement describes the company's expectations. It does not establish the outcome of court proceedings or the repeal of the measure. Sources checked on 4 October 2026. Conditions and publications may be updated.