The decision to legalize casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho, and betting on horseracing in Brazil may face a delay. The Justice and Citizenship Commission approved PL 2,234/2022 on June 19, setting the stage for casino regulation in Brazil. Originally, the vote was expected to take place in August after the senate’s return from recess on August 1.
However, recent reports from CNN suggest that the senate president, Rodrigo Pacheco, is currently prioritizing matters related to taxes and state debt over the gambling bill. This shift in priorities could potentially postpone the vote until October, following the first round of municipal elections scheduled for October 6.
The bill was supposed to be discussed in the senate last Thursday, with both opponents and proponents presenting their arguments in a thematic debate. Surprisingly, no vote was taken during this discussion. A decision is expected to be made soon regarding whether the vote will be delayed until October or if it will proceed as planned, potentially happening next week. President Lula da Silva has already expressed his support for the bill and indicated that he would sign it if it passes the senate.
One of the key issues that need to be addressed before the bill can move forward is the implementation of measures to prevent organized crime interference and money laundering in the gambling industry. Additionally, pressure from evangelical groups within the senate, who are concerned about the potential increase in addiction levels in Brazil if gambling is legalized, is also influencing the decision to postpone the vote.
Overall, the fate of the gambling bill in Brazil remains uncertain as the senate navigates through various concerns and priorities. The delay in the vote could have significant implications for the future of the gambling industry in the country, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the final decision from the senate. As the discussions continue, it is essential for all parties involved to address these challenges and work towards finding a balanced solution that considers both the economic benefits and social impacts of legalizing gambling in Brazil.