Flávio Bolsonaro criticizes betting ban, vows to attend televised debate - Valor International

Presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party, PL) criticized on Sunday (27) the ban on betting apps in Brazil, announced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Workers’ Party, PT) the previous week. He also said he will attend the TV Globo debate scheduled for next Thursday (October 1). The statements were made in Goiânia, where he took part in a motorcade alongside Goiás Governor Wilder Morais (PL).

Flávio argued that a distinction should be made between fixed-odds betting—known in Brazil as “bets”—and online casinos. He also described Lula’s decision as “reckless” and said the ban could affect the Women’s World Cup soccer tournament.

“Look at the impact of this. He [Lula] is breaking all the contracts. And several soccer clubs, for example, had contracts with these companies. As a result, women’s soccer, for example, will be among the hardest hit. We have the Women’s World Cup here in Brazil next year. He is making it unfeasible. There is a risk that it won’t happen because of this stroke of Lula’s pen,” he told reporters.

The presidential candidate also said that retailers selling jerseys bearing the brands of betting companies would no longer be allowed to sell the clothing. “They won’t be able to sell them anymore either. Look at the widespread losses. It is reckless to do this overnight.”

Flávio said Goiás is a strategic state for securing a first-round victory. He also said he has “no other opponent in Goiás” and that his “only opponent is Lula.” The state is home to former governor Ronaldo Caiado (Social Democratic Party, PSD), who is among the candidates for president.

“I have no enemies here in Goiás. I don’t have any opponents running against me for president, other than Lula. He is the one I am going to remove from the presidency; he is the one the people no longer want. And it is Flávio Bolsonaro who is ready, who is already ahead in the polls, and all it takes is a little push, which I think Goiás can help me provide,” he said.

Flávio also said he will participate in Globo’s presidential debate, even if Lula does not attend. The final debate among the presidential candidates is scheduled for Thursday night (1). Lula has not yet confirmed whether he will participate.

“Let him deal with it. I want to go there to debate him. So I’m calling Lula to the debate. Lula, I want you at the Globo debate. Come debate me, because I’m going to rub the truth in your face,” he said.

A Quaest poll released Thursday (24) showed Flávio in first place in Goiás, with 33% of voting intentions. In the August 27 poll, he had 27%. President Lula had 27%, up from 20% in the previous poll. Caiado had 23% of voting intentions, down from 32% in the August poll.

Lula announced a ban on betting apps in the country on Friday (25). At a ceremony in São Paulo, the president signed three official measures, including a provisional decree (MP) establishing guidelines aimed at combating online betting and reducing household debt as part of a new version of the Desenrola debt-relief program. Opponents criticized the initiative, saying it was politically motivated.

This article was translated from Valor Econômico using an artificial intelligence tool under the supervision of the Valor International editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to our editorial standards. Read our Editorial Principles.