Brazilian Senate Passes Sports Betting Bill with Amendments, Returns to Deputies

The Brazilian Senate has reached a pivotal point in the nation’s gambling landscape, approving the basic text of Bill 3626/2023, which outlines the framework for launching sports betting at a national level. Despite this progress, the bill, having undergone significant amendments, has been sent back to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration.

A significant development in Brazil’s gambling sector! The Senate approves key sports betting legislation, but with crucial amendments, necessitating another review by the Chamber of Deputies.

After experiencing several delays, the approval of this bill marks a critical step towards establishing a regulated sports betting market in Brazil. However, the Senate’s decision to exclude online casino gambling from the bill, a move led by Liberal senator Carlos Portinho, reflects ongoing debates and adjustments in the country’s approach to gambling regulation.

This legislative journey aims to balance the diverse interests and concerns within Brazil’s gambling industry, ensuring a robust and fair framework for sports betting. The Senate’s amendments and decisions, including the rejection of a ban on gambling advertising for sports teams and arenas and the exclusion of physical betting machines, highlight the complexities involved in shaping this evolving market.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Chamber of Deputies revisits the bill. The next steps will be crucial in determining the final form of sports betting legislation in Brazil, potentially including the contentious topic of online casino gambling.

In terms of taxation, the Senate has decided to maintain the rates suggested by the Senate Economic Affairs Commission (CAE), setting a 12 percent tax rate on sports betting operators and a 15 percent tax on player prizes. These rates are notably lower than the 18 percent and 30 percent rates initially proposed by the Ministry of Finance, with the CAE advocating for lower taxes to attract consumers and businesses to the new regulated federal sports betting market.

The Chamber of Deputies now faces a critical decision: to propose the inclusion of online casino gambling in the bill or to approve the text as amended by the Senate. This legislative process is not just about legalizing sports betting; it’s about shaping the future of Brazil’s broader gaming market, balancing regulatory concerns with industry growth and consumer protection.