Brazil’s casino bill back on agenda after Senate recess
The long-delayed land-based gambling proposal could get a vote in the second half of the year.
Brazil.- The long-delayed proposal to regulate land-based casinos in Brazil will be back on the Senate agenda after the current recess. Bill 2,234/2022 would allow the operation of a sector that has been illegal since 1946, paving the way for regulated land-based casinos, bingo halls, instant wins and horserace betting.
The bill has faced years of delays and failed to advance in 2023. It was resurrected by senator Irajá Abreu (PSD-TO) last year but plans for a Senate vote were ultimately postponed. The president of the house has now included the topic among those expected for the second half of 2025.
“By legalizing gambling, we will be shining a light on an activity that operates in the shadows, but with government control and oversight by regulatory agencies, where the Brazilian population will be able to collect taxes that will be passed on to states and municipalities,” the bill’s rapporteur argues.
“Millions of jobs will be created, and billions of reais will be invested in the construction of these large tourist complexes. And of course, all of this will boost the national tourism sector,” he added.
The bill still faces stiff resistance from a portion of the more conservative evangelical senators, but Abreu noted that a DataSenado survey shows that 60 per cent of Brazilians support the legalisation of casinos.
What Brazil’s Bill No. 2,234/2022 proposes
The bill would allow casinos to be installed in resorts and integrated leisure complexes with at least 100 rooms, restaurants, bars, and event spaces. Operations on sea and river vessels would also be permitted, following geographic and population criteria.
There would be certain limits by state, with only one casino for most states and in the Federal District. São Paulo would be allowed up to three casinos while Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Pará could each host two.
River casinos would be limited to one on rivers from 1,500 to 2,500km long, two on rivers 2,500 to 3,500km long and three on rivers over 3,500km long.
Bingo halls would be allowed to operate permanently, whether by card, electronic or video bingo. Each city would be able to host one bingo hall for every 150,000 inhabitants. Stadiums with a minimum capacity of 15,000 people will also be able to host games, as long as they are held regularly.
Permits would be valid for 25 years, renewable. The minimum share capital required would be R$10 million.
Jogo do Bicho instant games would be permitted with one operator per 700,000 inhabitants per state. In Roraima, with a smaller population, one company would be authorised. The capital and licence validity rules remain the same as for bingo halls.
Horse Racing bets would be allowed via tourism entities accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture. These would also be able to operate bingo halls and video bingo halls in the same location.
The bill also regulates the use of slot machines, which would have to be registered and regularly audited. Gross revenue would be divided as follows: 60 per cent for the casino or bingo hall and 40 per cent for the company renting the machine.
