TRF-3 President Blocks Court Order Reopening CDA Gaming Betting Platforms
Federal court suspends ruling that allowed specific betting sites to bypass government prohibition.
1Judicial Reversal on Bets
Luis Johonson di Salvo, president of the TRF-3, suspended a ruling by judge Adriana Pileggi that allowed CDA Gaming to resume operations. The company manages Casa de Apostas, Betsul, and Jogo Online. This suspension remains in effect until the case reaches a final verdict or further presidential deliberation occurs.
2Government Legal Challenge
The Attorney General's Office challenged the initial injunction, arguing that lower courts should not preempt federal policy. The government maintains that the prohibition of betting platforms is a matter of public order. Di Salvo emphasized that the Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of the provisional measure 1.394/2026.
3Disputed Provisional Measure
Issued by President Lula on September 25, the provisional measure 1.394/2026 mandates the cessation of betting operations. It aims to mitigate risks to public health and household financial stability. Companies were required to remove advertisements and allow users to withdraw funds by October 5, following the government's strict regulatory deadline.
4Company Claims Confiscation
CDA Gaming argued that the sudden shutdown violated existing contracts, noting they had paid a 30 million reais license fee. Judge Pileggi initially sided with the firm, labeling the government's action a form of confiscation. She questioned the constitutional urgency of the measure, suggesting it lacked the necessary legal justification.
5Regulatory Conflict Origins
Before the TRF-3 intervention, the 26th Federal Civil Court of São Paulo had denied the company's request. Judge Sílvia Figueiredo Marques ruled that the provisional measure must be analyzed by the National Congress first. She prioritized the principle of public interest over the private financial claims of the betting firm.
6Supreme Court Involvement
The broader regulation of betting remains under scrutiny at the Supreme Court. Minister Luiz Fux is currently presiding over actions regarding the sector's legal framework. A public hearing was held on November 3 to address the ongoing disputes, highlighting the complexity of balancing private licenses with new state policies.
7Scope of the Ruling
The suspension of operations applies exclusively to CDA Gaming and its associated brands. Other betting platforms remain subject to the general prohibition established by the government. The court's decision underscores that while individual companies seek legal relief, the overarching regulatory environment remains restricted until the Supreme Court provides definitive guidance.
8Future Legal Outlook
The case highlights the tension between state-issued licenses and sudden policy shifts. As the legal battle continues, the focus shifts to how the National Congress and the Supreme Court will interpret the validity of the provisional measure. Stakeholders await further clarity on whether existing licenses retain any legal protection.