Proposed Brazil online gambling ban

October 2, 2026

Online Poker

by PokerStars Staff

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3 Minute Read

You may have seen news about a provisional measure restricting fixed-odds betting in Brazil, including sports betting and certain online games. We want to reassure you that PokerStars’ peer-to-peer poker offering is not covered by the measure, as it is played between players and is distinct from the fixed-odds betting products covered by the restrictions. Therefore, poker remains available to Brazilian players, and players can continue to play poker on PokerStars as normal. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update players if there is any material change.
 
Since the measures came into effect, some players in Brazil have experienced difficulty accessing PokerStars. We are investigating these access issues, including whether internet service provider restrictions are affecting PokerStars poker, and are working to resolve this as quickly as possible. For players experiencing an access error, we recommend checking your network connection and relevant server settings, as the issue may be specific to your local set up.
 
Player funds remain secure. We are monitoring payment services following the introduction of the new measures and will keep players informed of any changes that may affect deposits or withdrawals. If you are having trouble connecting or have any questions, please contact our support team. We will update this page as the situation develops.

FAQs

Why am I having trouble connecting to PokerStars?

Some players in Brazil have experienced access issues following the implementation of the new measures. We are investigating the cause, including whether internet service provider restrictions are affecting poker on PokerStars, and are working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. If you are having trouble connecting, please contact our support team.

Why am I seeing an access error?

Poker on PokerStars is operating as normal. If you’re experiencing an access error, we recommend checking your network connection and relevant server settings, as the issue may be specific to your local setup. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if anything changes.

Do the proposed measures in Brazil affect poker?

Poker on PokerStars is not affected by these changes. The restrictions apply to fixed odds betting activities, including sports betting and online casino games. Poker is a game of skill played between players and is distinct from these forms of betting.

Could this position change?

The measures are still developing, and further legislation, regulatory guidance or clarification may follow. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update players if there is any material change affecting online poker.

Can I continue playing poker on PokerStars?

Yes. Brazilian players can continue playing online poker on PokerStars as normal.

Do I need to withdraw my poker balance?

No action is required from Brazilian poker players. You can continue to play poker on PokerStars as normal, and your account balance and withdrawals are unaffected. For any account-related questions, please contact the PokerStars support team.

Does this affect my tournament entries, tickets or poker rewards?

You can continue to play poker on PokerStars as normal, and your online poker tournament play and associated player balances or rewards are unaffected.

Does this affect live poker events in Brazil?

The restrictions apply to fixed odds betting activities, including sports betting and online casino games. Poker is a game of skill played between players and is distinct from these forms of betting. Live poker tournaments are unaffected and will continue as normal. We will monitor any further regulatory developments and will update players if anything changes.

Does PokerStars’ association with Betfair affect its poker operations?

No, this does not affect our poker operations in Brazil. Our poker operations are conducted pursuant to the applicable MGA licence, independently of Betfair. Poker on PokerStars is not affected by these changes. The restrictions apply to fixed odds betting activities, including sports betting and online casino games. Poker is a game of skill played between players and is distinct from these forms of betting.

Does the recent Flutter announcement affect PokerStars poker operations?

No. The Flutter announcement concerns its relevant sports betting and iGaming operations in Brazil. Poker on PokerStars is not affected by these changes.