TLDR
- Brazil’s Senate may vote on a casino legalization bill before the July 18 recess
- Rapporteur Senator Irajá is seeking support from party leaders to add the bill to the agenda
- The bill would legalize casinos, bingo halls, jogo do bicho, and horse race betting
- The Constitution and Justice Committee approved it in June 2024 by a narrow 14 to 12 vote
- Senator Eduardo Girão opposes the bill, citing high household debt tied to betting companies
Brazil’s Federal Senate may vote on a long-debated casino bill before lawmakers leave for recess on July 18. The bill would legalize land-based casinos and bingo halls across the country.
It would also legalize jogo do bicho, a popular lottery-style game played informally for decades. Betting on horse races would become legal under the same measure.
Senator Irajá, who represents Tocantins, is the rapporteur guiding the bill through the Senate. He has been working to gain support from party leaders to schedule a vote.
Irajá says the bill could reshape Brazil’s gambling sector. He calls it one of the biggest potential changes to gambling rules in decades.
The senator argues that regulation would let the government control gambling activity more closely. He says it would also raise tax revenue for the state.
Irajá pointed to job creation as another benefit of the bill. He said the measure could help boost Brazil’s tourism industry.
“I am absolutely convinced that we have the necessary support in the Federal Senate because this is a strategic activity for our economy that will generate revenue for the Brazilian State,” Irajá said.
Tourism Argument Central to Rapporteur’s Case
Irajá has repeatedly tied the bill to tourism growth. He says Brazil’s tourism sector has stalled and needs new investment.
He cited other countries where legal gambling helped attract more visitors. According to Irajá, regulated gambling increased tourist flow in several nations after legalization.
“Gambling, as it happened in several countries, increased the flow of tourists after the legalization of responsible gambling,” he said.
The bill has faced a slow path through the Senate. It has not reached a final floor vote despite years of debate.
In June 2024, the Constitution and Justice Committee approved the bill by a narrow margin. The vote was 14 to 12 in favor.
By December, Senate leadership pulled the bill from the plenary agenda. Lawmakers said there was not enough political agreement to hold a final vote.
Opposition Remains Strong Among Some Senators
Not all senators support the bill. Senator Eduardo Girão of Ceará has been one of its most vocal critics.
Girão argues the timing is wrong given current economic pressures. He points to rising household debt linked to betting companies.
“It would be inhumane to think about a bill like this in the middle of the crisis we are experiencing with betting companies. Brazilians have never been so indebted,” Girão said.
If the Senate approves the bill, it would move to Brazil’s president for signature. The new rules would only take effect after presidential approval.
The gambling, tourism, and hospitality sectors are watching the bill closely. Investors interested in Brazil’s potential casino market are also following its progress.
Irajá continues to lobby party leaders ahead of the recess deadline. Whether the bill reaches a vote before July 18 remains uncertain.
