Brazil's Congress has 120 days to ratify a nationwide shutdown of the online gambling industry following a new directive from the presidency. Under an executive order signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, telecom providers and app stores must block access to all betting platforms by October 6. Licensed firms are permitted to continue advertising and allow users to withdraw remaining funds until October 5.

The restriction reverses a legal status granted to the industry less than 2 years ago and comes ahead of the October 4 first-round presidential election. Lula faces a tight race against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who has described the move as populist and politically motivated. Government officials cite public health concerns and rising household debt as the primary reasons for the ban.