The government of Brazil will postpone voting on a bill that would legalize gaming and sports betting until after the national elections in October.
The ruling Liberal Party confirmed the decision, which was endorsed by Senate Leader Carlos Portinho and President Jair Bolsonaro.
This scuttles the hope of the Secretariat of Evaluation, Planning, Energy and Lottery to unveil sports betting in time for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which will be held this November and December.
Most of the details, including a framework, were previously agreed to by politicians, but they were fearful of approving the bill before the election. This is especially true of President Bolsonaro, who is courting the support of the country’s Evangelical lobby, which strongly opposes gaming.
