On Thursday, September 18, police officials in Santos, a coastal city in São Paulo, held a meeting with representatives of gambling operations to inform them that gambling activities on the city's beaches are now prohibited. This directive comes in light of earlier restrictions placed on gambling in downtown areas of Santos, emphasizing a broader crackdown on this illegal activity.

The meeting left many gambling operators surprised and disconcerted, as they appeared to struggle with the implications of the new regulations and the notion that such prohibitions were imposed by authorities higher up, possibly from the state level in São Paulo, rather than originating from local police forces. The operators expressed regret over the decision, indicating that this ban could severely dent their livelihoods and the vibrant beach culture associated with gambling in Santos.

The shift in enforcement underscores a shifting attitude towards gambling laws in the region, sparking discussions about local governance, public safety, and the influence of state regulations on municipal issues. The enforcement of these laws has broader implications for both the economy of Santos, reliant on tourism and beach-goer activities, and for the ongoing dialogue about gambling legislation in Brazil.