The bill that legalizes casinos, bingo and jogo do bicho, known as (Casinos Bill) should be voted on by the Senate by June, according to Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), rapporteur of the proposal, in an interview with EXAME.
The senator stated: “Our intention is to vote on the matter this semester, before the recess. The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, has been talking to party leaders about the best time to schedule the project.”
The project has been in progress for 33 years and was approved in the Chamber in 2022. At the end of last year, the discussion in the Senate did not advance due to the lack of consensus.
Irajá described the topic as controversial, but highlighted the work of convincing people about the economic benefits of the proposal, believing that he already has the necessary support for its approval.
He expressed optimism: “I am very confident that we will be able to approve this major project, perhaps the most important after tax reform.”
The rapporteur is also open to adjustments to the text and is willing to consider suggestions and criticisms. “He is committed to getting it right and not attached to the original text”, he said.
Rapporteur mentions government support in approving the casino bill
Regarding the government, Irajá mentioned that there is express support in technical notes from the Ministries of Finance, Tourism, Social Development and Labor.
Irajá stated: “The President of the Republic himself publicly expressed his support for the sanction if the project is approved by Congress. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin also formally expressed his support.”
The senator argues that the regulation will allow for better monitoring and control, removing these activities from the criminal sphere, where they operate clandestinely in various regions.
Regarding the functioning of the regulated sector, Irajá clarified: “To operate in this new market, companies need to pass a rigorous filter, proving suitability, seriousness and legality.”
Projections indicate that the sector could generate more than R$100 billion in revenue in five years, generating jobs and raising taxes. Irajá believes that casinos and bingo halls have the potential to boost tourism in Brazil.
He highlighted: “Brazil receives around 6 million tourists per year, while Argentina, Chile and Uruguay receive more. Responsible gambling boosts tourism, as demonstrated in several countries, doubling the flow of tourists in five years.”
The post-approval future
After approval, the government will have one year to regulate the sector. The experience accumulated with online betting prepares the responsible Secretariat team.
Irajá explained that the immediate opening of casinos will not be possible, predicting a process of up to three years for regulation, bidding and construction.
The project limits the number of casinos in Brazil to 34, while in the United States there are around 1,100. However, the authorization of bingo halls will be faster, regulated by population density.
In conclusion, the senator stated: “Legalization is bringing light to a sector that is currently operating in the shadow of the law. This is a huge reality, and people are starting to realize it.”
Details of the casino bill
The bill legalizes casinos, bingo, jogo do bicho, horse racing betting and online gaming. In this way, it establishes clear rules for operation, licensing and inspection. Thus, integrating a sector that was previously clandestine.
Therefore, the government will oversee the payment of taxes such as Tafija and Cide-Jogos. Finally, the bill stipulates that Tafija will be levied quarterly: R$600,000 for casinos, R$300,000 for online games and R$20,000 for bingo and jogo do bicho. Cide-Jogos will have a maximum rate of 17% on gross revenue.
