Minas Gerais bill seeks to restrict gambling machines in bars and local businesses

The Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais has advanced a new bill aiming to restrict gambling activities in local businesses across the state.

The bill, introduced by deputy Alencar da Silveira Jr., seeks to tighten control over the use of gaming machines and lottery equipment in bars, restaurants and similar venues.

While the original draft proposed a full ban on betting terminals in non-dedicated establishments, the updated version approved by the state’s Constitution and Justice Committee now limits their use to officially licensed lottery outlets. 

These must operate under Federal, State or Municipal authorization and comply with strict monitoring requirements.

Under the proposed law, all Video Lottery Terminals and similar devices would need to connect to a central monitoring system accessible in real time by regulators. 

Bars and restaurants would only be allowed to offer certified physical betting equipment producing printed tickets, while online fixed-odds betting, commonly referred to as “virtual casinos,” would remain prohibited.

Good to know: The mayor of Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais, proposed a betting tax cut aimed at attracting licensed operators to the state

Violations could result in daily fines of 10,000 state fiscal units and establishments failing to comply within 60 days of enactment could face temporary closure. 

The bill now moves to further legislative committees for debate before heading to the plenary. 

Alongside similar transparency initiatives, the measure forms part of a state push to balance economic freedom with social responsibility in the gaming and entertainment sectors.

Carlos Mendez

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