Brazil’s proposed legislation to legalize land-based gambling has reached a critical juncture, as Senator Irajá Abreu, the bill’s rapporteur, confirmed that the measure is fully prepared for a vote in the Senate. Speaking in a recent interview with Games Magazine Brazil, Irajá emphasized that the final step rests with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, who must determine the appropriate timing for a plenary vote.

The bill, formally known as PL 2,234/2022, seeks to authorize operations for casinos, bingo parlors, and jogo do bicho across Brazil. Although already greenlit by the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee in June 2023, the legislation has not yet progressed to a full Senate vote, primarily due to political hesitations and resistance from religious factions.

“It is ready, ripe to be discussed and voted on in the plenary, as soon as our president Davi understands that the environment is suitable for voting,” Irajá stated in an interview with Poder360 on April 9.

Potential Economic Impact and Tourism Boost

Proponents of the bill, led by Irajá, highlight its potential to generate significant fiscal and tourism-related benefits. The senator estimates the legalization of land-based casinos could yield BRL22 billion (approximately USD 3.8 billion) in new tax revenue annually. Additionally, it could serve as a catalyst for tourism growth, potentially doubling Brazil’s international visitors from six million to twelve million per year within five years.

Irajá argues that Brazil’s restrictive gambling laws put the country at a competitive disadvantage. “We cannot stand by and watch neighboring countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Chile receive so many millions of international tourists, while Brazil cannot, because it does not offer this type of responsible gambling tourism,” he said.

In his view, the initiative would also create a ripple effect across various sectors, such as hospitality, construction, and services, benefiting both the workforce and public infrastructure.

Flexibility in Response to Evangelical Opposition

Despite these projected advantages, the bill continues to face staunch opposition from certain political and religious factions, particularly the Evangelical Parliamentary Front. Congressman Gilberto Nascimento, who now leads the group, has pledged to rally resistance against the bill, citing concerns about gambling addiction and the rise in betting-related issues.

“I will ask everyone to be against it. We will mobilise,” Nascimento told Poder360 on April 13. “Everyone is addicted [to gambling], just look at what is happening with [online] betting. Casinos and physical games tend to get worse. Brazil is not a country with a vocation for gambling.”

Senator Jacques Wagner of the Workers’ Party echoed similar reservations, suggesting that the timing is inappropriate due to ongoing controversies surrounding online betting. “It is the worst time to debate this, due to the repercussions of the bets. There is no climate to vote this semester,” Wagner remarked.

In response, Irajá has expressed a willingness to amend the legislation to address the concerns of opposing groups. “I am open to dialogue, including with the evangelical bloc, which has taken a very firm position, opposing the approval of this matter. I believe in common sense,” he stated.

Legal Oversight and Responsible Gambling Framework

A key feature of the proposal is the emphasis on regulatory oversight and the distinction between legal, regulated gambling and illicit activities. Irajá argues that legalized gambling under government supervision would help dismantle operations currently controlled by criminal enterprises.

“Responsible gambling is gambling that is outside the law, not in the shadows of the law, which is monitored by the government. You purge who participates in this environment, inviting serious and reputable companies to operate in this market, monitored by the IRS, the Federal Police, and the control agencies,” he explained.

He emphasized that legitimizing the industry would align Brazil with international standards, noting that only Brazil and Indonesia among G20 nations, and only Brazil and Bolivia in South America, have yet to regulate land-based gambling.

Awaiting Political Signal to Proceed

While the final report was submitted in December 2024 with numerous amendments to accommodate previously excluded stakeholders, such as existing hotel complexes, Irajá made it clear that the bill is not inflexible. The senator remains open to further revisions that could help secure broader political backing.

“The text approved in the Chamber only provided for the possibility of building resorts integrated into new projects,” he noted, “This would exclude projects already built in Brazil from participating in future bids. Large hotels that we already have would not be able to participate. We made a correction to the wording.”

Now, with the groundwork laid and political support seemingly within reach, the bill’s fate hinges on a political judgment call. Until Senate leadership deems the timing appropriate, the vote remains in limbo—but Irajá remains optimistic that legislative momentum will prevail.

“I am particularly convinced that we have enough people to approve this bill,” he affirmed. “Brazil, which ranks 50th in international tourism, cannot sit back and allow itself the luxury of not taking advantage of this great opportunity to generate jobs, income and taxes.”