Brazilian Senate May Vote on Casino Bill Before July Recess, Says Rapporteur

The Federal Senate in Brazil might discuss the controversial bill that would regulate on-land gambling even before the start of the parliamentary recess on July 18. The regulation would allow operating casinos and bingo houses, legalize the popular jogo do bicho lottery game, and permit betting on horse races.

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The rapporteur of the bill, Senator Irajá (PSD–TO) claims that he is trying to gain support from the party leaders to pass the bill into the Senate agenda in the near future. If passed, this law would make one of the most significant changes in the Brazilian gambling sector in recent decades.

Irajá Explains Economic and Tourism Relevance of the Bill

According to Senator Irajá, the regulation of the sector will give the opportunity to control gambling activities better, raise taxes, create new jobs, and become an important engine for the development of tourism in Brazil.

“I am absolutely convinced that we have the necessary support in the Federal Senate because this is a strategic activity for our economy that will generate revenue for the Brazilian State“, Senator Irajá said.

Moreover, the rapporteur also mentions examples of other countries where regulated gambling contributed to tourism development.

“Speaking of an activity that will reactivate a large sector that is inactive in Brazil, I mean the tourism sector. Gambling, as it happened in several countries, increased the flow of tourists after the legalization of responsible gambling“, he adds.

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The Bill Remains Controversial in the Senate

Despite the recent successes, the bill still divides the opinions of senators. Thus, in June 2024, the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) voted for the bill with only a narrow majority of 14 to 12 votes. But in December, the Senate leadership took the bill out of the plenary agenda due to the lack of political consensus to hold the final vote.

Some senators still remain against the bill. For example, Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo–CE) argues that it is inopportune to extend gambling activities in such a difficult economic situation for Brazil and the gambling sector.

“It would be inhumane to think about a bill like this in the middle of the crisis we are experiencing with betting companies. Brazilians have never been so indebted“, Senator Eduardo Girão said.

What Will Happen if the Bill is Passed?

In case of Senate approval of the bill, it will go to the President of Brazil for its signing through the presidential sanction procedure. The new regulatory framework can be put into effect only after signing by the President of Brazil.

The forthcoming discussion of the bill is going to attract the attention of the gambling, tourism, and hospitality sectors, and of course investors, who might become interested in the regulated gambling market in Brazil.

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Source: iGaming Brasil