Senate President Pushes Senate Vote on Gambling Legalization

Brasília, June 19, 2025 – Zona de Azar – According to O Globo, Brazilian Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) is working to secure a political agreement that would allow a Senate vote on the bill to legalize gambling activities in Brazil, including bingo halls, casinos, and the traditional “jogo do bicho”, within the coming weeks.

The proposal was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in 2022, with strong support from then-Speaker Arthur Lira (PP-AL), and was later endorsed by the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) in June 2023 under Alcolumbre’s leadership.

The bill has the backing of centrist parties such as PP and União Brasil, and partial support from the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Tourism. However, it still faces strong opposition from conservative parties, such as the PL, and from the evangelical congressional caucus. Senator Irajá Abreu (PSD-TO) is serving as the bill’s rapporteur.

If approved without amendments, the bill will be sent directly to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for sanction or veto.

The proposed legislation would authorize casino resorts, with a minimum required capital of R$ 100 million, and permit operations on maritime and river vessels under specific regulations. It also allows permanent bingo halls in dedicated venues or football stadiums, while prohibiting one-off bingo events except when held by charitable organizations.

Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com