The minister Luiz Fuxfrom Federal Supreme Court (STF), called a conciliation hearing for March 17, 2026 to discuss the details of a decision that prohibits beneficiaries of social programs, such as Bolsa Família and BPC, from using resources from these aids in bets. The measure arises from Direct Unconstitutionality Actions (ADIs) that question the regulatory framework for fixed-odd betting in the country.
The hearing, which will be held in person at the minister’s office, brings together representatives from the federal government, the Attorney General’s Office (AGU), the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the National Confederation of Commerce in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) – author of one of the ADIs – and the Brazilian Association for Economic Freedom (ABLE). The objective is to try to reach an understanding on how to apply the decision in a way that does not go beyond its effects or restrict rights beyond those provided for in the precautionary measure.
The controversy arose after, in November 2024, the Plenary of STF maintained Fux’s injunction which determines that the government adopt measures to immediately prevent the use of resources from assistance programs in fixed-odd online betting — including prohibiting access. Since December 1, 2025, around 900,000 beneficiaries have been blocked from accessing betting platforms, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s determination, according to the government.
ABLE argues that the rules issued by the government to implement the decision are excessive because they would affect all beneficiaries regardless of the origin of the resources used in betting, potentially violating the economic freedom of citizens who may have other sources of income. The AGU argued before the STF that the blockade and defined restrictions do not apply to federal lotteries operated by Caixa, as they are activities regulated differently, and that the definition of measures by the government was a technical, proportional and necessary way to comply with the court decision without violating constitutional principles.
The judgment and debates about the scope of the decision have implications both for the protection of families in vulnerable situations and for the regulated betting market in Brazil, where legal and economic agents seek to balance social protection, individual guarantees and the freedom to participate in legally permitted economic activities.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
