Brazilian politician faces betting probe over bookmaker links

Federal police investigate a senator over suspected money laundering involving an online bookmaker.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 23 October 2026

Brazilian federal police are investigating senator Flavio Bolsonaro due to his alleged connection with an online betting brand named Best Bet. Recent documents suggest the politician held an indirect partnership in the gambling company alongside a lawyer named Tomaz. Investigators are examining whether the pair used betting operations to conceal the true origin of funds. The Supreme Court is overseeing the case, although formal charges have not been filed against the senator yet.

The licensing process

Court papers show that Tomaz founded Cathedral Holdings in Madeira during January 2023 with modest initial funding. This firm established Rede Loto, which operates the Best Bet brand, to secure a lottery license issued by Loterj. The bidding process involved a rival proposal that offered a higher revenue share but was disqualified over a minor formatting error. Best Bet eventually won the auction and later raised its financial proposal while expanding operations across the entire country.

Financial ties and travel

Investigators discovered that the senator reportedly held operational access as a master user for an offshore company bank account linked to Tomaz until May 2025. Financial records also indicate that corporate entities tied to the lawyer covered flight bookings for the senator and his relatives on multiple occasions. The wagering requirement for players using the Best Bet platform was not stated in the available documents.

Political denials and future promises

The senator rejected all allegations of wrongdoing and insisted that he and the lawyer were merely friends who never worked together. Despite the ongoing legal scrutiny, the politician assured football club officials that he would work to resolve regulatory problems for sports teams and bookmakers if he wins the election. Meanwhile, legal representatives for the lawyer declined to comment on the documents, and the court continues its investigation into the financial activities of all parties involved.

What it means for a bet

Punters should monitor how regulatory investigations affect the operational status of licensed bookmakers in Brazil.

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