Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged supporters on social media to pressure the Supreme Federal Court over sports betting, ahead of a public hearing on Tuesday about his provisional measure to ban the activity.
In an audio message shared on the WhatsApp channel Exército de Lula, Lula asked supporters to pay attention to the hearing and said society should decide what to do about betting in Brazil. He said he opposed betting companies and described them as harmful, while noting that football clubs and business owners benefit from them.
Congressman André Janones, who created the WhatsApp channel, called on followers on X to use the hashtag #BetsNuncaMais. He also criticized Justice Luiz Fux, the case’s rapporteur, arguing that the hearing had invited people with interests in betting but had initially left out civil society and the government.
The measure’s future also depends on Congress. It remains in force until November 23 and may be extended for another 120 days. To become permanent, it must be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before it expires.
The case reached the Supreme Court after the National Association for the Legal Security of Games and Betting (Anseja) filed a direct action of unconstitutionality seeking to suspend the measure. The association argues that the measure did not meet the urgency requirement, addresses an issue that cannot be set by provisional measure, lacks estimates of its budgetary and financial impact, and creates legal uncertainty.
Lula issued the measure during the election campaign. He has argued that gambling is addictive and diverts money from household budgets, particularly those of poorer families.
Sources: Folha Poder.