Story perspectives

Lula signs online gambling ban ahead of October election

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 10:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional order banning online gambling on September 25, 2026.
The ban is presented as a campaign move to curb household-debt before the October 4 election.
The order blocks new deposits and requires users to withdraw funds by October 5.
A poll shows 75% support for a ban that stays only if Congress approves within 120 days.

History

Historical Context

Facing growing concerns about online betting, the U.S. Congress added the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to the SAFE Port Act on September 30 2006, passing the House 409-2 and the Senate by unanimous consent before President George W. Bush signed it on October 13. In 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued an order on September 25 banning online betting in Brazil to curb debt ahead of elections, mirroring the earlier restriction.

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Story summary

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional order banning online gambling on September 25, 2026.
The ban is presented as a campaign move to curb household-debt before the October 4 election.
The order blocks new deposits and requires users to withdraw funds by October 5.
A poll shows 75% support for a ban that stays only if Congress approves within 120 days.

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