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In a move that highlights the complexity of legalizing gambling in Brazil, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre withdrew Bill No. 2.234/2022 from the Senate’s voting agenda on July 8. The bill proposes the legalization of various gambling activities, including casinos, bingos, the classic “jogo do bicho“, and horse racing wagering (turf).
The bill also seeks to repeal parts of Brazil’s Penal Contraventions Law, which since 1946 has prohibited the operation of games of chance. In case it is passed, the new legislation would legalize and regulate the following gambling activities:
- Casino gaming
- Bingo
- Video bingo
- Jogo do bicho
- Horse racing wagering
Reasons Behind the Withdrawal
President Alcolumbre listed three key reasons for postponing the proposal: a reduced quorum of only 56 senators attending, deep cleavages between legislators, and constant calls for more time by party leaders. He stated in the session: “There’s a divide in the Senate on this issue. Due to the reduced quorum, the wide disagreement on this issue, and pleas by senators who wish to be present for the voting, this presidency will remove this item from the agenda.”
The action has the effect of suspending the bill-forming process temporarily, rendering legalization of gambling uncertain.
Mixed Reactions in the Senate
The action stirred senators, and senators responded. Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo–Ceará), a staunch gaming critic, welcomed the withdrawal and demanded a more robust legislative process. He called for the bill to pass at least three Senate committees and for a nominal vote when returned to the floor: “The population is worried. This bill should undergo more careful analysis and transparency.”
The withdrawal of the bill does not put an end to the debate. Rather, it delays what is now the most contentious piece of legislation in the country.
Senator Irajá Demands Legalization
Despite the delay, the bill’s proponents remain active. Speaking to TV Senado, Senator Irajá (PSD–Tocantins), the bill’s rapporteur, remained supportive of the bill. He asserted that making gambling legal would be a big economic benefit for Brazil.
In the opinion of Senator Irajá, the bill would:
- Attract between USD 40 billion of foreign and local investment
- Create approximately 200,000 direct jobs
- Generate up to BRL 18 billion (USD 3.3 billion) in tax revenues annually
He emphasized that the proposal includes precise criteria for license distribution, with a concession plan distributed among states. It prioritizes tourism, local development, and public openness through competitive bidding.
“Brazil and Indonesia are the only two G20 nations that have not regulated gambling so far“, Irajá said. “We are losing a strategic economic growth opportunity.”
The Road Ahead
Without any new date set for consideration, the bill now languishes in legislative limbo. But with such intense support and equally strenuous opposition, discussion of legalizing gambling will probably rage on in the coming months.
The issue is not merely economic and regulatory in character but also involves ethical and social concerns, and therefore, it is one of the most sophisticated issues of policy facing the Brazilian legislature.
As Brazil becomes more modernized and regulated in its gaming industry, the struggle between economic opportunity and good government will be the most likely to shape the debate into the future.
Source: iGaming Brasil
