Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil – AP) is working on an agreement to vote on the proposal to legalize gambling, such as bingo, casinos and jogo do bicho, before the legislative recess.
He talks daily with party leaders in an attempt to consolidate a consensus and make the proposal viable for voting. Some parties, such as the PL, as well as the evangelical bloc, are against it.
Even so, Alcolumbre is committed to advancing the issue, despite resistance from part of Congress. If the Senate approves the matter without changes to the text from the Chamber, the bill will go straight to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for approval or veto.
The rapporteur in the Senate, Senator Irajá (PSD – TO), has the support of centrist parties, such as Progressistas and União Brasil, as well as the support of the Ministry of Tourism. Advocates of regulation point out that legalizing gambling can increase federal revenue and bring new income to the country.
The bill passed through the Chamber of Deputies in February 2022 thanks to the efforts of then-president Arthur Lira (PP – AL). In June last year, the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) also approved the text under Alcolumbre’s leadership.
Casinos at resorts and ships
According to the project, casinos will only operate in leisure complexes, resorts or maritime and river vessels. In addition, all casinos must prove a minimum share capital of R$100 million.
The accreditation will be valid for 30 years, guaranteeing stability to operators and requiring integration into hotel and entertainment services.
Finally, the measure also provides for the operation of permanent bingo halls only in designated venues or football stadiums, following specific rules. Occasional bingo halls are prohibited, except when promoted by charitable organizations.
