The Brazilian Senate is accelerating its efforts to legalize land-based playing, together with casinos, bingos, and the “jogo do bicho” (unlawful lottery), with a key vote anticipated earlier than the July recess. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre introduced that the invoice, PL 2,234/2022, which has been within the works for over a decade, is now on the quick monitor. The laws has already been handed within the decrease home and is now awaiting approval within the Senate earlier than shifting on to the presidential approval stage.
Support from the Government and Public Backing
This proposed laws has gained important traction, with backing from the federal authorities and public surveys displaying robust assist. According to a examine performed by InformationSenado, a analysis institute linked to the Senate, 60% of the grownup Brazilian inhabitants helps the legalization of land-based playing, with solely 34% against it. The invoice’s supporters argue that legalization might generate as much as R$20 billion in annual tax income and create round 1 million jobs, making it a gorgeous financial alternative for the nation.
The authorities has additionally indicated no resistance to the invoice, with sources revealing that the Palácio do Planalto (Brazilian Presidential Palace) has knowledgeable senators that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is more likely to approve the invoice ought to it go via the Senate.
Details of the Bill and Key Provisions
The proposed invoice introduces stringent rules, reminiscent of limiting casinos to resorts and banning on-line playing platforms from working in Brazil. Additionally, just one on line casino per state can be permitted, aside from bigger states like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Amazonas, and Bahia, which might have as much as three casinos on account of their measurement. One of the important thing points of the invoice, in response to Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), the invoice’s rapporteur, is the inclusion of “responsible gaming” measures that goal to mitigate potential hurt attributable to playing.
Senator Irajá has been one of the invoice’s strongest advocates and has highlighted its potential to draw investments, strengthen Brazil’s tourism sector, and enhance the native economic system. He has additionally emphasised the significance of establishing a “controlled and compliant” playing mannequin, which might guarantee a safer playing setting.
Opposition and Concerns
Despite the broad public assist, the invoice faces opposition from some segments of Brazilian society, significantly from evangelical teams. Gilberto Nascimento, the chief of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, has said that his occasion will mobilize in opposition to the legalization of land-based casinos. Nascimento argues that playing might result in habit and social hurt, pointing to the rising prevalence of on-line playing as proof of the adverse penalties of legalizing such actions.
Criminal attorneys have additionally expressed concern, warning that legalizing casinos might result in a rise in cash laundering actions. Sergio Rosenthal, a legal regulation professional, argued that casinos might change into hubs for monetary crimes, resulting in a “ruin” for a lot of households and opening the door to illicit actions.
The Role of Online Gambling and Upcoming Legislation
While the main focus stays on the legalization of bodily casinos, the invoice is being mentioned in parallel with the continuing debate over on-line playing. The launch of the web playing market in Brazil on January 1, 2025, has raised considerations in regards to the results of elevated on-line playing and the regulatory framework for digital platforms. The Senate can be working to handle these points, with a separate invoice geared toward regulating on-line betting already within the pipeline.
Interestingly, the invoice clarifies that funds at casinos is not going to be allowed via Pix or money; solely bank cards shall be accepted to additional management transactions and scale back the danger of monetary crimes.
Brazil’s Senate is gearing up for a vital vote on land-based playing, with the backing of each the federal government and a majority of the general public. However, important opposition stays, significantly from spiritual and authorized sectors. The final result of the vote can have far-reaching implications, not just for the playing business but additionally for Brazil’s economic system and social panorama. If accepted, this might mark a pivotal second for the nation’s tourism and gaming sectors, whereas additionally sparking additional debate over the potential social and financial prices of such a dramatic shift in playing coverage.
Source:
Com apoio do Planalto, Senado acelera legalização de cassino e bingo, metropoles.com, June 16, 2025.
