On 25 September President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a government decree that bans the operation of online bookmakers and other betting services in Brazil and outlaws their advertising and sponsorship. The measure was reported by Sport.ua, which cites Reuters.
Bookmakers have until 5 October to remove promotional material and sponsorship branding, and from 6 October their sites and apps are to be blocked. The prohibition is currently a temporary government act; its permanence depends on Brazil’s subsequent legislative process.
Sport.ua notes the decision could directly hit Brazilian esports because betting companies are among the main sources of funding for sports and esports projects. The change may alter sponsorship flows that support teams and events connected to the international competitive scene.