Stake loses Brazil exemption after federal court ruling
Stake can no longer rely on the exemption that kept it running in Brazil. A judge at the Regional Federal Court has suspended the lower-court decision that let it operate until 25 October 2026, despite a nationwide gambling ban.
A total ban
Since 25 September 2026, a decree by President Lula da Silva has banned all forms of gambling in Brazil. Judge Rodrigues dos Santos in São Paulo nevertheless gave Stake another month, leaving it as the only licensed operator in that position.
Judge Di Salvo suspended the ruling, citing a risk of "regulatory asymmetry". According to SBC News, the appeal was likely filed by the AGU or the PGR.
- Gambling banned in Brazil since 25 September 2026.
- Stake's temporary exemption suspended.
- Many operators entered in 2024 with five-year SPA licences.
- Congress and the Supreme Court will decide what happens next.
Industry pushback
Trade bodies ANJL and IBJR say the ban undermines multi-year licences. The matter could return to Congress and the Supreme Court after the presidential election cycle ends on 25 October 2026.
Lessons for players
Regulation can change fast. Stick to operators with a clear licence – see our guides to casinos with a sportsbook and crypto sportsbooks.
Source: SBC News, 12 October 2026. This article is a short summary of the original report.