The Brazilian Senate postponed the vote on the sports betting bill (PL) that aims to regularize the online gambling sector in the country.
The decision was made due to a lack of consensus among senators. Now, it is expected that the analysis of the project, considered a priority by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, will only take place after the return of the President of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), from abroad.
Pacheco is currently in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, participating in the 28th UN climate conference, COP-28, alongside President Lula (PT).
Divergences and debate About the betting PL
The main point of controversy in the betting PL, scheduled for discussion that took place this Wednesday, 29, was the inclusion of online casinos in the project.
This aspect has been especially contested by opposition senators. They argue against regulation of this sector and express concerns about the lack of clear guidelines for the oversight of these games.
The project’s rapporteur, senator Ângelo Coronel (PSD-BA), defends the inclusion of online casinos, highlighting their significant contribution to tax revenue.
The Ministry of Finance estimates that the approval of the PL could generate revenue of around R$12 billion in a fully regulated market scenario.
The opposition asked the vice-president of the Senate, Veneziano Vital do Rêgo (MDB-PB), who was presiding over the session, to postpone the vote.
Next steps and political implications
There is still no set date for the new vote. The expectation is that, with Pacheco’s return next week, a date will be set.
The postponement frustrated the government, which fears it will not be able to approve the measure this year.
The Senate rapporteur made changes to the proposal initially approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
Thus, if the Senate approves the text with the modifications, it will return to the Chamber for new analysis. The Chamber of Deputies had already approved the project on September 13th.
This postponement reflects the complexities and political challenges surrounding the regulation of online sports betting in Brazil, an issue that continues to generate intense debates among legislators.
