Lula Renews Attack on Online Betting as Government Prepares to Announce Next Steps

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva again criticized online gambling on Sept. 14, describing betting as an illness and stating that his government will soon announce a decision on the operation of betting sites.

The remarks came in Brasília during the signing of the Move Brasil law. Lula referenced a recent meeting with victims of gambling addiction and called the discussion painful.

Lula Details Harm from Betting Sites

“Yesterday, I had a very painful meeting with people who are victims of gambling on betting sites. Possibly, almost no Brazilian authority knows firsthand what is happening in our country. There is a lot of suffering and a lot of addiction,” Lula said.

The president criticized betting platforms for what he described as their ability to manipulate people into addiction. “We are making decisions and soon we will announce the decision we will make regarding this, because it’s an illness, not a game. It’s the manipulation of innocent people into an addiction,” he said.

Lula’s statements presented betting as a source of widespread addiction rather than legitimate entertainment. He suggested that few in authority have direct exposure to the harm occurring across the country.

Shift in Official Position

The comments come as Lula’s government plans to tighten oversight of betting platforms. Online betting was regulated during his administration, but the president has since hardened his position against the sector.

The Ministry of Finance plans to expand oversight of betting sites, while Lula has publicly said they need to be shut down. The issue has also become a political and electoral matter, with Lula among the presidential candidates most critical of betting, according to reporting by Yogonet International.

Reporting: Yogonet International

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