SAO PAULO — Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Friday announced a ban on online betting operations in Latin America’s largest economy and unveiled a new debt relief program aimed at households, the latest in a series of measures introduced ahead of next month’s election.
\n\nOpinion polls have shown Lula locked in a tight race with right-wing Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, ahead of the Oct. 4 first-round vote.
\n\nThe executive order bans online betting operations in Brazil, less than two years after the government kicked off a legal framework allowing the industry to operate. It takes immediate effect but must be approved by Congress within 120 days to remain in force.
\n\nThe crackdown reflects growing concern within the government that rising spending on gambling has drained household budgets and contributed to record levels of indebtedness. Recent surveys showed roughly three-quarters of Brazilians support a complete ban on online betting.
\n\n“We are facing a public health issue involving online betting. It is a serious problem,” said Finance Minister Dario Durigan during the announcement.
\n\nDurigan said that betting firms’ websites will remain available for users to claim remaining funds until Oct. 5. App stores…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business