Presto

How to play Presto

“Where we’ll revisit the targets at the full-year results, I think that will probably be the logical time to more explicitly factor Brazil into any revised targets we might potentially issue at that point in time. But I think that should only enhance how the business is currently doing and frankly, enhance probably what the current market expectations are for the group in the years ahead.”

The ongoing dispute between Evolution and Playtech continues to rumble on.

Playtech commissioned intelligence firm Black Cube to investigate Evolution’s activities in 2020, with the resulting dossier alleging Evolution supplied games into banned and sanctioned markets.

What is Presto?

The committee identified the Gambling Act 2005 as the moment when licensed operators gained broad advertising freedoms across media. Prior to 2005, television and radio gambling advertising was limited to products like bingo, football pools and the National Lottery.

Since then, annual advertising expenditure by licensed operators has grown substantially and is now estimated to be between £1 billion and £2 billion, accoridng to , the report said.

According to the committee, robust evidence now links gambling advertising to increased participation and associated harms. 

What is Presto?

Lula said he intends to discuss the matter with his team and analyse potential measures to consider the social impact of online betting.

What the president does not acknowledge is that the government relies on revenue from the sector. In just the first seven months of 2026, BRL8.747 billion generated by sports betting has already flowed into public coffers. The Federal Revenue Service estimates the total could reach BRL16 billion by the end of the year. In 2025, nearly BRL9 billion was collected from sportsbooks.

The burning question is where such funds will come from if Lula shuts down the betting industry. Yet, no one points out to him that players will simply migrate to the illegal market. Betting will continue to exist, but without formal tax revenue, oversight or player protections.