Brazil’s Supreme Court Suspends Account Blocks

In Brazil, the Supreme Court (STF)
suspended the blocking of betting accounts belonging to recipients of social welfare benefits at betting operators.

Decision of Brazil’s Supreme Court

The decision was issued on December 19 and applies to recipients of the Bolsa Família program and the disability benefit BPC.

The Court ruled to temporarily lift the restrictions until the hearing of case ADI 7.721, scheduled for February 10, 2026.

Account Unblocking

Accounts that were blocked between December 1 and December 19 must be unblocked.

Ongoing Restrictions for Benefit Recipients

Despite the court ruling, recipients of social benefits are still prohibited from creating new betting accounts.

The ban on placing bets using funds received through social welfare programs also remains in effect.

Data from Brazil’s Federal Court of Accounts

According to the Federal Court of Accounts of Brazil (TCU), in 4.4 million households—about 22% of all Bolsa Família beneficiaries—at least one family member participates in betting.