Brazil pushes land-based casino legalization as backlash grows in Senate

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre is trying to secure party backing to vote on PL 2.234/2022 before July. The Bill, which has been in Congress for over a decade, was already approved by the Chamber in 2022 and passed through the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee last year. If the plenary approves it without changes, it heads straight to the President’s desk for approval.

The measure has the support of influential names like Senator Irajá Abreu, the Bill’s main figure and backers argue it will bring in up to BR20bn in annual tax revenue and generate 1 million jobs.

Still, backlash is being faced as figures like Senator Eduardo Girão disagree with the proposal, as he mentioned the national impact of gambling is visible from the already legalized online betting sector. Girão argued that while the online industry targets younger users, physical gambling venues would affect older demographics, especially vulnerable senior citizens.

He also raised concerns about money laundering and social harm, referencing national scandals such as the 2004 Parliamentary Inquiry (CPI) on Bingos. Girão accused the current legislative push of ignoring ongoing issues with online platforms.

Good to know: The CPI dos Bingos, held in 2004-2005 in Brazil, investigated corruption and money laundering schemes linked to bingo halls, led to revelations involving political figures and misuse of public funds and had its final report rejected just like the CPI das Bets

Despite the backlash, Alcolumbre has signalled he intends to bring the proposal to a vote in the coming weeks.

Supporters frame it as an economic opportunity; critics see it as a dangerous distraction from existing problems.

Carlos Mendez

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