Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced a ban on online gambling operations, less than two years after the industry was legalized.

The index comes ahead of the Oct. 4 first-round election, where Lula faces a tight race with right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

The government says the ban refers to rising household debt related to gambling, while Bolsonaro called it "populist" and politically motivated.

Licensed betting sites will be blocked from October 6, after users are allowed to withdraw their remaining funds.