Brazil Supreme Court Expands Debate Over Betting Ban.
Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) will hold a public hearing on the betting ban, with Justice Luiz Fux expanding the list of speakers but declining to reopen debate on gambling-related social harms. On November 1, Fux published the revised schedule for the hearing in ADI 8027, set for November 3 at 10 a.m.
AGU request adds six participants
The Attorney General’s Office (AGU) asked the court to include more participants, arguing that the original lineup did not reflect a broad enough range of perspectives.
Fux partially granted the request, adding representatives from:
- Ministry of Justice and Public Security
- Ministry of Health
- Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS)
- Grêmio football club
- National Federation of Professional Football Athletes (FENAPAF)
- Brazilian Paralympic Committee
The number of participants has risen from 28 to 34.
Court declines to revisit gambling-related harms
The AGU also sought discussion of betting’s social effects, including gambling addiction, mental health and consumer protection. Fux declined, saying the STF had already addressed those issues at a public hearing in November 2024. He noted that the harmful effects of gambling are widely recognized by the court.
Fux cited the hearings he held on November 11 and 12, 2024, in ADIs 7.721 and 7.723, concerning Law 14.790/2023, where the subject was discussed at length.
Read Also: Brazil Targets 20 December Deadline for Congress to Approve Betting Ban.
The November 3 hearing will instead focus exclusively on the consequences of Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, particularly its legal and financial implications.
Hearing focuses on the ban’s legal and financial effects
The case concerns complaints filed by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) against Provisional Measure 1.394/2026. The measure bans fixed-odds betting and ends licensing for various operators.
Industry representatives argue that it raises concerns about legal certainty, existing licences and contracts.
Fux also referred to comments he made in August 2026, when he said there is no constitutionally protected right to controlled gambling.
Hearing will not decide constitutionality
The hearing will not determine whether a gambling ban in Brazil is constitutional. Instead, it will give government bodies, betting associations, sports organizations and other interested groups an opportunity to present their views. Although Fux has broadened participation, the hearing will remain focused on the legality and consequences of the government’s ban.
