Brazil expands betting ban to student debt renegotiation program

Brazil’s Federal Government has extended restrictions on sports betting to participants in Desenrola Fies, bringing the student debt renegotiation program under the same rules already applied to Desenrola Famílias.

The measure was published on Wednesday (13) in an extra edition of the Official Gazette of the Union through Provisional Measure No. 1.358/2026. Desenrola Fies, which also began operating on Wednesday, allows students with debts linked to the Student Financing Fund, or FIES, to renegotiate their obligations with discounts, installment plans, and new payment conditions.

The change clarifies that beneficiaries of the student debt renegotiation program are barred from using sports betting platforms during the renegotiation period. It also prevents sports betting platforms from participating in federal debt renegotiation programs for one year. 

The government’s stated objective is to prevent companies in the betting sector from using public renegotiation initiatives to stimulate credit or expand financial operations connected to online betting.

Rogério Ceron, executive secretary of the Ministry of Finance, said the original wording of the provisional measure did not clearly indicate that the restriction also applied to students with FIES debts. 

Ceron described the change as "a small adjustment" and said the government decided to clarify the point in advance to avoid doubts over the scope of the rule.

The betting restriction was inserted into Provisional Measure No. 1.358/2026, a measure primarily dealing with economic subsidies for producers and importers of gasoline and diesel. In its final provisions, the government amended Provisional Measure No. 1.355/2026, known as Desenrola 2.0, which was published on May 4, 2026.

The amendment functions as a legislative “jabuti,” a term used in Brazilian politics to describe an unrelated provision inserted into a bill or provisional measure. In this case, a rule on betting platforms was included in a provisional measure focused on fuel subsidies.

By linking the new restriction to the FIES legal framework, the measure brings Desenrola Fies within the same treatment applied to Desenrola Famílias. Ceron said Desenrola Fies recorded strong demand in its first hours of operation.

“We already have a significant number of transactions carried out. There are more than 3 negotiations already carried out, with simulations of more than 15,” he stated. He also said the initial performance of the program may encourage other defaulting students to renegotiate their debts.

Desenrola 2.0 is the latest phase of the federal government’s debt renegotiation initiative for families and students. The program seeks to reduce default rates and expand access to credit through discounts, installments, and facilitated payment conditions.

Because the regulation was issued through a provisional measure, it has immediate legal force. However, it must be approved by the National Congress within 120 days to become definitive.