Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a ban on online gambling, according to the BBC, framing the move as a necessary step against an industry he sharply criticised.
Lula described online gambling as a “cancer” that he must “remove,” the BBC reported, using stark language to justify the decision.
The announcement comes as Lula is engaged in what the BBC described as a tight presidential race against Flávio Bolsonaro.
The timing of the ban, arriving ahead of the presidential election, places the issue of online gambling at the centre of the campaign as the two candidates compete for support.
The BBC’s report did not detail the specific mechanisms of the ban or its implementation timeline, focusing on Lula’s characterisation of the industry and the electoral context in which the decision was made.
Why it matters
Online gambling has grown into a significant industry in many countries, and a national ban could affect businesses, consumers and government revenue. Coming during a closely contested election, the decision also signals how the issue may shape Brazil's political debate.