ANJL seeks talks with Lula to restore Brazil’s betting market

Brazil’s National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has called a new dialogue with re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with hopes to discuss restoring country’s regulated betting market. The association said: The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) congratulates President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election. As a representative of fixed-odds betting companies in Brazil, the association hopes that dialogue will be restored and the democratic rule of law will prevail. The measure disrupted Brazil’s regulated betting industry just 22 months after its launch. ANJL cautioned that the ban could mean that gamblers will turn to illegal sites where there is no consumer protection, age control, taxes being collected and reliable withdrawals. The organization pointed out the contribution made by the industry to the state. In 2025, BRL9.95 billion (around $1.8 billion) was received in state coffers from the industry while the revenues from the lottery and betting industry amounted to BRL11.1 billion in 2026, before the ban was introduced. Industry wants a reversal of Betting Ban ANJL hopes that discussions with the government will lead to a democratic and transparent review of the restrictions. The association argues that tackling illegal operators, rather than banning licensed companies, should be the priority. ANJL also filed a legal challenge to the Brazil’s Supreme Court with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), to suspend the betting ban. Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has scheduled a public hearing for 3 November to examine the measure. Justice Luiz Fux set the hearing to consider arguments from industry representatives and other stakeholders. In its statement, ANJL said it hoped dialogue would be restored and the rule of law upheld. The association also pledged to work with the National Congress and Executive Branch to improve the regulated market and combat illegal betting.