Senate Urged to Vote on Brazil’s Casino Bill

Brazil Pushes for Senate Vote on Casino Bill as Gambling Industry Awaits Landmark Decision

As Brazil gears up to revolutionize its gambling landscape, Senator Irajá Abreu is championing the push to legalize land-based casinos and other forms of gambling. With the country already processing applications for online gambling licenses, Abreu is urging the Senate to vote on the long-delayed Bill 2,234/22 by the end of September. This pivotal legislation could reshape Brazil’s gaming market, potentially unlocking billions in annual revenue and creating a more regulated environment for gambling enthusiasts. Explore the key elements of the bill and the broader implications for Brazil’s gambling industry.

A Critical Moment for Brazil’s Gambling Legislation

Senator Irajá Abreu has intensified efforts to bring Bill 2,234/22 to a Senate vote, aiming to capitalize on the momentum generated by recent regulatory developments in Brazil’s online gambling sector. The bill, which seeks to legalize land-based casinos, bingo halls, horse race betting, and instant win jogo de bicho games, has been in the legislative pipeline for over a decade. Its passage would mark a significant shift in Brazil’s approach to gambling, providing a regulated framework for activities that have long operated in the shadows.

Abreu emphasized the urgency of advancing the bill, particularly with municipal elections on the horizon, which could further delay the legislative process. “The bill is mature. I am very confident that we have enough votes to approve this and deliver for the Brazilian people a framework and a new business environment with clear rules, and that we can invite serious people to work in a segment that is currently dominated and controlled by organized crime,” Abreu stated, highlighting the bill’s potential to bring transparency and accountability to Brazil’s gambling industry.

Strong Support and Historical Challenges

The bill has received support from key figures in Brazil’s gaming sector, including Magnho José Santos, president of the Legal Gaming Institute (IJL), and Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, president of the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj). Both have advocated for regulated gambling as a means to generate significant tax revenue and reduce the influence of illegal operators.

However, the journey to legalization has not been without obstacles. The core elements of Bill 2,234/22 were initially drafted by Deputy Renato Vianna more than a decade ago, but progress has been consistently stalled by opposition from Brazil’s influential evangelical politicians. Despite this resistance, Abreu remains optimistic, arguing that the time is ripe for Brazil to embrace a regulated gambling market that can drive economic growth and curtail the power of unregulated gambling operations.

Expanding the Market: Online Gambling Applications Surge

While the Senate deliberates on land-based gambling reforms, Brazil’s online gambling market is already experiencing rapid growth. A 90-day priority application window for online gambling licenses closed on August 20, attracting 113 operators—an impressive leap from just six applications prior to the publication of the full technical rules for sports betting and igaming earlier this month.

The surge in applications highlights the burgeoning interest in Brazil’s gambling sector, with major players like MGM Resorts and Grupo Globo joining forces to pursue a license for the BetMGM brand. According to the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the Brazilian gambling market could be worth €31.1 billion annually by 2028, underscoring the massive potential for growth in both the land-based and online sectors.

The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake for Brazil?

A successful vote on Bill 2,234/22 would not only legalize casinos but also create a structured environment for various forms of gambling that have long existed without oversight. This framework would invite international and domestic operators to invest in Brazil, creating jobs and driving tourism, while also establishing stringent measures to combat gambling addiction and protect consumers.

For Brazil, the legislation represents an opportunity to formalize a market currently dominated by unregulated, and often illicit, activities. By introducing clear rules and attracting reputable operators, Brazil aims to reduce the influence of organized crime, increase state revenue, and provide a safer environment for players. As the Senate prepares to vote, the eyes of the global gambling community are on Brazil, eager to see if the country will seize this transformative moment.

Senator Irajá Abreu’s push for a Senate vote on Brazil’s long-awaited casino bill marks a critical juncture for the nation’s gambling industry. With robust support from key industry figures and a growing appetite for regulated gaming, the bill’s passage could redefine Brazil’s gambling landscape. As online gambling gears up for its official launch, the approval of land-based gambling reforms would solidify Brazil’s position as a major player in the global gaming market. The stakes are high, and a successful vote would not only drive economic growth but also set the stage for a new, regulated era of gaming in Brazil.