Brazil’s Senate is getting ready to vote on a bill that has been talked about for years. This bill would make casinos, bingo halls, and the old-school jogo do bicho (animal game) legal. The Senate might even vote before it takes a break in July.
Brazil’s Senate Fast-Tracks Casino Bill after Decade-Long Debates
Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) has put this at the top of his to-do list. This shows a big change in how Brazil looks at gambling on land. People have been going back and forth about this for more than ten years.
The bill known as PL 2234/2022, seeks to control brick-and-mortar gambling spots while leaving out online betting, which falls under different laws. If it passes, the bill will go to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to sign off. People close to the Palácio do Planalto say the federal government will back the plan, reported Brazilian news outlet Metrópoles.
Those who support the bill claim that making casinos and bingos legal could bring in up to BRL20 billion ($3.6 billion) each year in taxes and create about a million jobs. A poll by the Senate with 5,000 people shows that the public tends to favor the idea, which strengthens the government’s choice to push the bill forward.
The new plan suggests casinos should be part of big resorts, one in each state, except for São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Amazonas. These states could have up to three because they are bigger and have more people. In addition, these places would take credit card payments. People cannot use Pix or cash, which helps to stop illegal money activities.
Casino Bill Advances Despite Criticism Over Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), who is in charge of the bill, says this law is well-planned and has strict rules. It aims to boost tourism and bring in more money. He points out that, unlike online betting sites, places you can visit in person are easier to regulate and keep kids out.
However, the proposal has faced opposition. Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) disagreed, slamming what he sees as a callous reaction to the social damage from online betting. He cautioned that more gambling access might increase financial troubles, mental health problems, and family breakups for older residents and poor people. He also worried about the chance of more money laundering and other crimes.
Girão further expressed doubts about the economic reasons for the bill, saying past experiences show gambling does not boost jobs or tourism. He urged his fellow senators to vote against what he called a law that would hurt Brazil’s most at-risk citizens.
Though evangelical groups and some legal experts have voiced similar concerns, the bill seems to be gaining traction. As the Senate might vote soon, Brazil could be on the verge of a big change in its gambling rules and setup.