Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

By Josh Pearson , 13 March 2026

Brazil’s online gambling industry faces renewed political scrutiny after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared his intention to work with lawmakers to halt the country’s growing virtual casino market. Speaking at a political gathering ahead of International Women’s Day, the president questioned the rationale behind permitting online casinos while traditional land-based casinos remain banned nationwide.