Senate Pushes Back Gambling Bill Vote Due to Deep Split and Poor Turnout

The Brazilian Senate chose on Tuesday, July 8, to put off voting on a debated bill that would make several types of gambling legal in the country. This includes casinos, bingo halls, the classic “jogo do bicho,” and betting on horse races. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre made this call, noting the small number of senators present and the sharp disagreement among lawmakers.

Senate Halts Gambling Bill Vote Amid Low Attendance

Alcolumbre pointed out that just 56 senators showed up for the session and shared that many of his colleagues were abroad on official business. He said he had talked to these missing senators, and a lot of them wanted to take part in the vote, no matter if they supported or opposed the proposal. Because of the split opinions and how many people asked to push it back, Alcolumbre decided to take the bill off the agenda, without picking a new date to discuss it.

The bill, which the Chamber of Deputies approved in 2022, wants to end an 80-year-old gambling ban from 1946. It also aims to change parts of the Penal Misdemeanors Law that now make these activities illegal.

People who back the bill say it would give tourism a boost, create jobs, and bring in more tax money. The plan would let casinos run in big resorts or on cruise ships, with tough rules on deposits and how they work. Each state has its own rules. São Paulo could have up to three casinos because it has so many people, while states like Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais could have up to two.

Senators Clash Over Gambling Bill as Critics Warn of Social Risks

Bingo halls would also have to follow new rules, with licenses lasting 25 years and limits based on local population numbers. The “jogo do bicho” would also get new regulations, with tough licensing rules and required digital systems to keep an eye on betting.

However, many people are against these changes, such as conservative groups and religious organizations. Senator Eduardo Girão worries about possible social problems, warning of risks like gambling addiction and more crime. Other critics, such as Senator Humberto Costa, say the plan might target vulnerable groups, predicting that gambling businesses will pop up in poorer areas.The bill’s rapporteur, Senator Irajá Abreu, has defended the measure. He says it aims to regulate a practice that is already common but illegal. This would allow the government to oversee it and cut down on criminal ties.