The End of Brazilian Football?

Last night (17), a statement from the São Paulo State Football Federation and several clubs—such as Palmeiras, Corinthians, and Flamengo—raised an important alert about a possible government ban on sports betting. This striking news was reported here on UOL.

The Warning from the Institutions

These institutions recognize that social impacts, especially on the most vulnerable groups of the population, deserve full attention from authorities, companies, and everyone involved in the sports landscape. As people say, it is essential to improve protection, enforcement, education, and prevention measures so that the market can operate responsibly.

However, there is a clear message: without the bets, football may take a serious hit. The entities warn that a ban could not only open the door to illegal gambling, but also trigger a solvency crisis among many clubs.

A Necessary Debate

For many, combating illegal match-fixing and protecting the most vulnerable must be priorities. But a controversial point arises: why leave the sponsors out? That argument—one that could even sound amusing—becomes tragic when we remember that great Brazilian football, full of media and influencers, survived for decades without investment from betting houses.

The belief that sport will collapse without this kind of sponsorship is as absurd as saying that Formula 1 would not survive without cigarette ads. It’s ironic to see football leaders claim that cutting off a source of revenue will bring down an entire business.

What Can We Expect?

Of course, this situation may mean that the richest in football will lose part of their money. It’s a shame, isn’t it? Some changes may occur, such as:

• Athletes may have to give up millionaire salaries.
• Coaches will have to stop receiving well-stuffed severance payments.
• Stadiums may revert to being simple arenas.
• Uniforms may have to be limited to two versions.
• Executives may no longer be able to travel to Europe for inspiration.
• Some clubs may even face relegations or even shut their doors.

These changes may signal a new reality: far from budget irresponsibility and numbers inflated by a market full of irregularities. It looks like a fair price to pay to protect the lives of Brazilians.

The Reality of the Numbers

Betting houses took R$ 62,5 billion from Brazilian families in 2025, which represents about 0,68% of the country’s disposable income. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, in 2022, Brazilians lost R$ 37 billion, an amount that was reverted directly into betting revenues. In addition, the risk of suicide among gamblers is 15 times higher, especially when those people are in debt. And it doesn’t stop there: there is also a direct link between gambling problems and domestic violence. This is a real public health issue.

And all of this in a country where gambling games are prohibited. Bingo? Prohibited. Casinos? Prohibited. But betting by phone and the promotion of odds are allowed.

The Defense of Betting

Authorizing betting is not justified in the name of the well-being of society, but rather by the financial interests of a small group. This final note ends with an alarming warning: "THE FAN CAN’T PAY THIS BILL. IF THE REGULATED MARKET ENDS, THE BETTING DOESN’T END. FOOTBALL IS WHO ENDS."

These powerful players dare to argue that the only way to sustain their lifestyle is through betting. And they try to convince the public that this is for our good.

If football must exist on the foundations of indebtedness, ruin, and even the death of Brazilians, maybe it’s time for it to find its end. Rest in peace.