Brazil land-based casinos bill ready for voting, rapporteur says

Brazil’s Land-Based Casino Legalization Bill on the Verge of Vote Amidst Political Challenges

The proposed legislation to legalize land-based casinos in Brazil, known as PL 2,234/2022, is poised for a critical vote, according to its rapporteur, Senator Irajá Abreu. This comes in the wake of a burgeoning legal online betting market that officially launched on January 1, 2023, yet the bill itself has encountered delays after being approved by the Justice and Citizenship Committee in June 2022.

Despite numerous postponements in the Senate vote, Senator Abreu remains optimistic about the bill’s potential for approval, asserting that it has garnered substantial backing, even in the face of opposition from various political factions.

“Through comprehensive discussions and public hearings in the Senate, the issue is now well-prepared for deliberation and a vote in plenary. We are only awaiting the signal from our Senate President Davi Alcolumbre and party leaders to determine when the environment is favorable for this crucial vote,” Abreu remarked in an interview with Poder360.

The legalization of land-based casinos is projected to generate an estimated BRL 22 billion (£2.8 billion / $3.8 billion) in additional tax revenue for the state. Furthermore, Senator Abreu predicts that this measure could potentially double the annual influx of tourists to Brazil, boosting numbers from six million to 12 million.

“This initiative is pivotal for revitalizing Brazilian tourism. We cannot permit neighboring countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile to attract millions of international tourists while Brazil remains sidelined due to the absence of an infrastructure that promotes responsible gambling tourism,” Abreu stated.

Opposition to Land-Based Casinos in Brazil

To facilitate the passage of the bill, Senator Abreu has expressed a willingness to amend provisions within the proposal to address concerns raised by opponents, particularly members of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, known for their staunch opposition to gambling legalization.

“I am open to negotiations, including discussions with the evangelical coalition that has taken a resolute stance against this legislation. I believe that through common sense, we can find a path forward,” Abreu commented.

Deputy Gilberto Nascimento, who assumed presidency of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front in February, has firmly stated that his party will not support casino legalization efforts.

“I will rally everyone to oppose this initiative,” Nascimento declared to Poder360. “We will mobilize against it. The dangers of gambling are evident; just observe the impact of online betting. Casinos and physical gaming can exacerbate these issues. Brazil lacks a cultural foundation for gambling.”

Meanwhile, Senator Jacques Wagner of the Workers’ Party articulates a contrary perspective, suggesting that the timing is inappropriate for advancing legislation related to land-based casinos.

“This is the worst possible moment to engage in discussions surrounding this issue, given the current ramifications associated with betting. This semester does not provide a conducive atmosphere for a vote,” Wagner asserted during his conversation with Poder360.

As Brazil inches closer to a decision, the debate surrounding the legalization of land-based casinos continues to evoke passionate responses across the political spectrum, highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the country’s evolving gambling landscape. The outcome will not only shape Brazil’s tourism economy but also determine the future of responsible gambling practices within its borders.