Brazil's Lula bans online gambling ahead of presidential election

Online betting was legalised in Brazil in 2018 and has grown rapidly. Lula says gambling addiction has harmed families, including some who told him they had sold belongings to fund it.

Lula also signed a bill creating criminal offences involving fixed-odds betting, a common form of online sports wagering. He said safeguards to keep minors away from betting were lacking.

The measures require congressional approval within 120 days to remain in effect. Flávio Bolsonaro, a political opponent, condemned the move as politically driven and warned it could boost illegal betting and hurt football clubs.

The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming, which represents much of the country's betting sector, said a full ban on fixed-odds betting could put the industry and billions of reais in revenue at risk. Most other forms of gambling, including casinos and slot machines, are already illegal.