Flamengo criticises Federal Government as betting ban looms, warns of illegal market risk | OneFootball

Flamengo renewed criticism of the Federal Government as a sports betting ban is expected on Friday 25, calling it a measure that would weaken Brazilian football.

The club said in a statement that Brazil spent years debating regulation, Congress approved it and the government implemented it, then companies paid to operate, invested and complied with oversight, tax and consumer rules. It questioned changing the framework overnight after such commitments.

The note said the issue goes beyond betting firms, adding that any person, company or institution planning long term in the country relies on the same legal certainty. It also stressed that no regulation is untouchable.

Flamengo cited an Instituto Locomotiva survey from May 2026 of 2,291 bettors. An LCA Consultores study based on it found 38% to 44% of online stakes now occur on clandestine platforms, down from 41% to 51% in 2025 after regulation.

The note acknowledged the need to combat illegal gambling and protect the public, while urging the preservation of legal certainty, investment capacity and the sustainability of sports institutions.

Flamengo had already signed, alongside other Brasileirão clubs, the “Fim do Futebol” manifesto opposing the proposal. Its master sponsor Betano has informally warned of a possible contract termination.

The deal is worth R$ 268 million per season until 2028, a sum at risk if betting is banned. Flamengo is assessing alternatives for the shirt, including Lubrax, and clubs in Série A and B are negotiating BNDES credit to ease the financial impact.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”