A federal judge has granted Stake a temporary reprieve, allowing the gambling platform to resume its operations in Brazil until October 25. This decision also includes a suspension of measures that had been blocking the company's website. However, the judge denied Stake's request for permission to continue operations until December 31, 2029, the date initially permitted.
The ruling, made by Judge Cristiane Farias Rodrigues dos Santos of Brazil's 9th Federal Civil Court on October 8, halts all blocking actions tied to Stake. Authorities cannot penalize the company solely based on its operations, as the activities are still within the court’s decree. Furthermore, no blockers can interfere with the authorizations of the platform's technology, as such measures require canceling the platform’s authorization.
While Stake can continue its operations, the court has imposed several regulatory conditions. These include:
– Upholding player identification and verification processes.
– Ensuring that individuals prohibited by law cannot place bets.
– Prohibiting the use of social assistance funds for gambling activities.
– Preventing advertisements targeting children and teenagers.
– Avoiding new advertising strategies aimed at broadening their user base.
– Allowing customers to withdraw their balances while ensuring sufficient funds are retained to facilitate these withdrawals.
– Keeping thorough records of customer registrations, financial transactions, and reports required by regulators.
– Operating only through domains that are authorized.
– Safeguarding against any misuse of the Stake brand by illegal operators or unauthorized parties.
– Maintaining anti-fraud measures and protection against trademark infringements.
This temporary ruling marks a significant moment for Stake’s legal team, representing the first judicial decision favoring fixed-odds betting companies amidst ongoing disputes regarding the implications of Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026. The longer-term legal ramifications of this decision remain unclear, but it is important to note that judicial decisions do not necessarily exempt other operators from the measures enacted.
