In 2025, the Federal Government plans a new push to approve the legalization of casinos and bingos in the country. This initiative has the support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in addition to a large part of the members of Ministries.
The Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) has already approved the proposal and is now awaiting inclusion on the voting agenda of the Federal Senate plenary.
The controversy surrounding casinos and bingos, especially related to addiction among beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program, prevented voting from progressing this year. Therefore, Palácio do Planalto‘s guidance is to try again in the first half of 2025.
During an event held in São Paulo, the Minister of Sports, André Fufuca, expressed his disagreement with the release of online casinos before physical ones.
The expectation is that, in the long term, the legalization of casinos and bingos could generate revenue of R$22 billion for the federal government.
Senate postpones vote on the legalization of casinos and bingos
Thus, the Senate postponed the vote on the bill that legalizes casinos and bingos in Brazil last Wednesday (04). Therefore, the decision came after intense debates, with the rapporteur, Senator Irajá, removing the proposal from the agenda.
The president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, indicated that the discussion will return next year, as the Senate did not approve the urgent request for the vote.
Therefore, Pacheco requested information from the ministries of Health, Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, the ministries must respond within 30 days.
Senator Flávio Arns asked for data on the impacts of the proposal on mental health services. Without the urgency approved, the new management of the House will analyze the amendments.
Parliamentarians expressed concerns, calling for more discussions in the Social, Economic and Public Security committees. Furthermore, senators fear that the project will encourage problem gambling and crimes such as money laundering.
Senator Eduardo Girão highlighted past mistakes with sports betting, warning against new mistakes. Esperidião Amin and Eliziane Gama asked for the project to be shelved.
The project, from 1991, was approved by the Chamber in 2022 and passed by the CCJ in 2024 with a close vote. Currently, the Casinos PL proposes casinos in tourist centers and leisure complexes, including maritime vessels.
Bingos will take place at designated locations, with regular audits for betting machines. Accredited entities will authorize bets on horse races. The project introduces new taxes, exempting bookmakers from other taxes.
