The legalization of gaming could take an important step in the National Congress. The president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), informed that the casino legalization project should be voted on next week, probably on December 4th. If this is not possible, the analysis can take place on the 10th.
The text, approved in June by the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ), authorizes the operation of games such as bingo, casinos, Jogo do Bicho and betting on horse races, revoking a ban that has lasted almost 80 years.
Legalization of casinos gains prominence on the Senate’s agenda
The project is part of the Senate’s list of priorities in the coming weeks. In addition to the release of games, the Congress agenda includes topics such as the regulation of artificial intelligence and tax reform, scheduled for the second week of December.
Another priority is the spending containment package proposed by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, with a focus on balancing public accounts. The measures are expected to be voted on before the parliamentary recess, on December 23.
During a meeting with party leaders, Pacheco highlighted the importance of deciding on the legalization of casinos this year, meeting the demands of senators and government sectors. “The topic has already come from the Chamber, it has support from the government and various segments. It is up to the Senate to decide whether to approve it or not”, he stated.
The debate over the legalization of casinos has intensified with the growth of online sports betting. It was only after a few years that legislators realized that the lack of regulation and supervision was causing harm not only to the Union but to the population. So, for Pacheco, this showed the urgency of regulating the entire sector.
The opposition, however, maintains resistance. Conservative parliamentarians and social movements argue that legalization could generate negative social impacts, such as an increase in gaming addiction and money laundering. Recent investigations involving online betting have also made it difficult for the project to move forward.
What’s at stake: understand the proposal
The text approved by the CCJ establishes rules for the operation of games, including taxation, supervision and protection for bettors. Check out the main aspects of the proposal:
Allowed modalities
- Casino Games
- Bingo and video bingo
- Jogo do bicho
- Online betting
- Turf
Operating rules
Only companies registered, based and managed in Brazil will be able to operate games. It will be necessary to prove the legal origin of the resources and meet minimum capital requirements:
- R$10 million for bingo and Jogo do Bicho;
- R$100 million for casinos.
The operation will be subject to licenses granted by the Ministry of Finance and may take place in authorized physical locations or regulated online platforms.
Taxation and Resources
Prizes above R$10,000 in one day will be taxed at 20% by Income Tax, with direct withholding by the bookmaker.
Companies will pay quarterly inspection fees, which vary depending on the type of game:
- R$20,000 for bingo and Jogo do Bicho per establishment;
- R$300 thousand for online gaming platforms;
- R$600 thousand for physical casinos.
In addition, an Intervention Contribution in the Economic Domain (Cide) will also be created, with a rate of 17% on bookmaker revenue. In this way, part of the proceeds will be allocated to:
- combating gambling addiction
- to transfer to states and municipalities
Legalization of casinos: what supervision looks like
To protect bettors, the proposed legalization of casinos prohibits minors or people diagnosed with gambling compulsion from participating in activities. The government will create a national addiction prevention policy, offering support services and implementing self-exclusion mechanisms.
In this way, the Ministry of Treasury will create an audit system to monitor, in real time, the financial movements of companies. The objective is precisely to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
The project’s rapporteur, senator Irajá (PSD-TO), argues that the legalization of casinos could become a strategic economic activity for the country. “The main benefit is to allow an existing practice, albeit a misdemeanor, to come under State control. This helps to mitigate links with organized crime and raise resources for public policies”, he explained.
On the other hand, critics of the measure highlight the associated social risks, such as the increase in cases of ludopathy (gaming addiction). The opposition in the House promises to work to block the proposal or impose amendments that reduce its impacts.
Therefore, the vote in the Senate will be one of the most decisive moments for the project. If approved without changes, the text will go to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) for sanction. Changes in the wording, however, would force the proposal to be returned to the Chamber of Deputies.
