Brazil's Lula bans online gambling ahead of presidential election

Brazil's incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a ban on online gambling, less than a week before the country's presidential election. The ban, signed into effect on Friday, prohibits all sports betting and online casinos. The online gambling sector, legal since 2018, has faced criticism for contributing to household income losses due to addiction.

Lula, running against the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described the industry as a "cancer". The ban must be approved by Congress within 120 days to remain in force. Lula acknowledged that online betting was established during the previous administration but grew without regulation under Bolsonaro's leadership. He emphasized that there were no restrictions to prevent minors from accessing online betting.

The president highlighted firsthand accounts from families who had sold their possessions due to gambling addictions. Additionally, Lula signed a bill to penalize criminal offenses related to fixed-odds betting. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro's son dismissed the gambling crackdown as "populist, hypocritical, and politically motivated." The United Nations General Assembly witnessed Lula accusing the industry of profiting from addiction.

Recent polls indicate that 80-year-old Lula and his 40-year-old opponent are evenly matched in the election.