Brazilian football clubs' support for betting firms sparks mass fan backlash

Fans' sharp reaction

On Thursday, September 17, several Brazilian clubs — Flamengo, Vasco, Corinthians, Palmeiras, Santos and São Paulo (the last four jointly with the state federation) — posted a statement titled "The end of Brazilian football" on social media, warning of consequences if the government tightens rules against betting companies ("bets"). A survey by consultancy Bites, commissioned by O Globo, found that most fans rejected these posts. Vasco's post had the highest rejection rate — 90% of comments were openly against the betting firms — followed by Flamengo at 86%, and the joint post from the four São Paulo clubs at 85%. The posts also drew unusually high engagement: Vasco's post received nearly 25,000 comments, 50% more than the second-most-commented post in the previous 30 days, while Flamengo's post drew over 55,000 replies, almost double the second-highest figure for that period.

Government's planned regulation

The clubs' concern stems from a possible provisional measure (Medida Provisória) the federal government may issue, aimed, according to Terra, mainly at banning online casino games rather than sports betting itself. The clubs' manifesto argues that banning casino games would strengthen illegal betting operators and "end Brazilian football." As Terra notes, almost all betting companies' revenue comes not from football wagers but from casino games offered on the same platforms.

Money flows and clubs' dependence

Since the 2023 regulation law (14.790/2023), Brazil's betting market has grown rapidly — each betting company paid R$30 million to the federal government for an operating license, and in 2025 alone these companies paid over R$9 billion in taxes, according to Receita Federal. Per a report ("Convocados") by economist Cesar Grafietti with investment firm Galápagos Capital, betting companies accounted for 35% of Brazilian top-flight clubs' commercial revenue in 2025 — just over R$1 billion, up 67% from 2024. Grafietti says football is not entirely dependent on this revenue, but an abrupt regulatory change without an adjustment plan could hurt clubs.

President Lula's response

Responding to the clubs, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said at a campaign rally in Guarulhos on Friday night that he had decided to end betting operations in the country, dismissing claims that this would end football. He noted betting companies earned R$62 billion, and stressed that the government cares more about poor people's livelihoods than tax revenue. The debate coincides with round 28 of the Brazilian championship, where Atlético-MG, Palmeiras and Athletico-PR are seen as favorites, according to predictions compiled by ge.