As developments continue in Brazil, it is anticipated that a vote will take place in August around the bill to regulate Brazil’s land-based casinos.
The bill also builds the framework around bingo, horse racing and jogo do bicho (instant win games), as Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG) underlined there is no need to move too fast with the framework.
Pacheco urged stakeholders to maintain a level head after Parliament returns from its recess, which starts on July 18 and ends on July 31.
He said: “There is no need to rush, we can vote on it perfectly well after the recess. But it will be voted on, because, having passed through the Chamber, through the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Commission of the Senate, if there is a predisposition of the Executive, we have to submit it to a vote.”
Key to Bill No. 2,234/2022 is the reorganisation of land-based gambling laws in Brazil, by modifying existing rights and modalities granted to individual states and municipalities. Drafted over a decade ago and following a two-year delay in its mediation, the bill was approved by a Senate Committee in June and allowed to progress for its revision by Brazil’s federal plenary.
The bill is backed by Senator Irajá Abreu (PSD-TO), who seeks to reverse the 1946 Decree Law of President Gaspar Dutra that banned casinos from operating in state municipalities and districts.
A key stakeholder in upcoming proceedings, Pacheco was quoted by media outlet Valor Econômico as wanting to present the bill directly to the Federal Congress (upper house) to expedite the vote, which has been opposed by the Senate’s Evangelical Caucus.
The Caucus argues that the draft does not include the necessary guarantees to minimise gambling risks, including addiction, and is also reportedly seeking to implement a ban on gambling from municipalities with historically high crime rates.
“This matter has reached the committee stage, now we have to find a date for it to go to the full Senate. There has been enough debate, those in favour are in favour, and those against are against. Everyone has their arguments. It is very important that it is put to a vote,” Pacheco added.
