On Ocotber 18, first head-to-head debate took place between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his runoff opponent Flávio Bolsonaro. The two candidates didn’t discuss the betting ban at all.
The debate took place days after reports emerged that police had asked the Supreme Court to investigate Flávio over alleged links to a lawyer suspected of controlling Rede Loto. Rede Loto signed contract 001/2023 with the Rio de Janeiro state lottery, Loterj, on May 25, 2023, becoming the first company accredited by a state lottery to offer sports betting before the federal licensing framework took effect.
Debate focuses on corruption and public services
According to Metrópoles, the debate was more centred on corruption allegations, public security and healthcare.
Lula pushed Flávio to give details about the R$134 million reais he allegedly asked from banker Daniel Vorcaro in order to fund Dark Horse, a film about his father – the former president, Jair Bolsonaro. In return, Flávio asked Lula about his association with lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger. Lula also demanded action from both families regarding the need for them publicizing their financial and telephone records prior to voting.
As per Folha de S.Paulo, Lula’s associates were scheduled to interrogate Flávio regarding the gaming ban and his connections with the attorney Willer Tomaz. Yet, the parties did not discuss the future of the proposal in Congress or the Supreme Court. Lula also did not take this opportunity during the interview in TV Globo, where he spoke about families’ debts.
Police to investigate Flávio Bolsonaro
The Federal Police had approached the Supreme Court for the alleged case of money laundering by Flávio which involved Tomaz. The request, which was released by the Attorney General’s office, had Justice Alexandre de Moraes as the rapporteur.
The police also found substantial evidence which linked Flávio with Tomaz such as payments for flights. A particular bank account of Tomaz had transactions worth R$130 million from March to May 2025.
The final debates are scheduled on October 23. Flávio was given until October 19 to confirm his participation.
The runoff is set for October 25, the same day federal betting licences are due to be extinguished. Datafolha’s October 15 poll put Flávio at 51% of valid votes, compared with 49% for Lula.
