Stake loses temporary right to operate in Brazil
A federal regional court in Brazil has suspended the decision that let Stake continue operating until 25 October 2026, despite the country's new gambling ban.
The background
A decree issued by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva banned all forms of gambling from 25 September 2026. Judge Rodrigues dos Santos of the 9th Federal Civil Court of São Paulo then allowed Stake to keep running until 25 October – the only licensed operator with that right, which some described as a de facto monopoly.
That decision was suspended by Judge Di Salvo of the higher Federal Regional Court, who cited the risk of "regulatory asymmetry". SBC News says the appeal was most likely filed by the Attorney General's Office (AGU) or the Federal Prosecutor's Office (PGR), both of which support the decree.
- Brazil banned gambling on 25 September 2026.
- Stake's right to operate until 25 October has been suspended.
- Licensed operators entered in 2024, many with five-year SPA licences.
- Congress and the Supreme Court will decide what comes next.
Looking ahead
Industry groups ANJL and IBJR argue that the ban undermines multi-year licences. Congress and the Supreme Court could consider the issue after the presidential election cycle ends on 25 October 2026.
Our advice
Ontario's regulated market gives players more certainty. If you bet on sport, compare licensed sports betting options and check the legal gambling age in your province.
Source: SBC News, 12 October 2026. This article is based on publicly reported news; our editors summarised and rewrote it for Toronto readers.