Brazil could produce the largest gambling country in all of Latin America
The Brazilian Senate Constitution and Justice Committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss an agenda of 20 items, including expanding legalized gambling. Former deputy Renato Vianna authored the bill, which permits casinos, bingo, horse racing betting, and “jogo do bicho.”
The bill allows one casino per state and Federal District to operate in tourist hubs or incorporated into leisure complexes, except in São Paulo, which could be allowed up to three casinos. Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Amazonas and Pará would have a limit of two casinos in each state.
The proposal states that gaming would also be authorized on maritime and river vessels, subject to explicit rules. Casinos must exhibit a minimum paid-up share capital of R$100 million (US$20 million) and can be licensed for 30 years.
The bill also defines the rules for card and electronic bingo games and allows the licensing of one legal entity for every 700,000 residents in each state to handle the “jogo do bicho” game.
Licenses will be valid for 25 years and can be renewed for the same period. Turf entities accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture would be permitted to operate horse racing betting, bingo, and video bingo games.
Noting the statistics on the illegal gaming market, Irajá adds that “gambling already constitutes a relevant economic activity.” He would reject the amendments offered by senators and propose a new one to replace the “Ministry of Economy” with the “Ministry of Finance.”
The bill had already been scheduled for a vote in December 2023, but it was delayed due to the Senate’s packed agenda, which included several items in discussion as the parliamentary recess approached.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
