Senate to Vote on Casino and Bingo Legalization by July
Brazil – June 18, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com According to Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), the Brazilian Congress is expected to vote on the urgency and final approval of the bill regulating bingos, casinos, and the “jogo do bicho” (illegal numbers game) before the July recess.
The proposal has been in discussion for over a decade and was already approved by the Chamber of Deputies. If passed in the Senate, it will go to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for sanctioning.
Reports suggest that once the bill reaches the presidential office, it is likely to be approved without resistance from the government. The justification is not only the potential to raise up to R$20 billion annually in taxes, but also the creation of over 1 million jobs. A recent Senate survey showed that most voters support the legalization of gambling activities.
Online gambling will be excluded
While the Senate debates online gambling regulations, Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), the bill’s rapporteur, has clarified that casinos and bingo halls would not operate online. Casinos would be allowed only within resorts, limited to one per state — except for São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Bahia, which may host up to three due to their size. Bettors could only use credit or debit cards, not cash or Pix (instant payments).
Senator Irajá defends the bill
Senator Irajá emphasized the goal of creating a safe and strictly regulated environment. “We are working to ensure the approval of the Responsible Gaming and Integrated Resorts Bill (PL 2234/22) this semester,” he said.
“This bill does not deal with sports betting or online ‘bets’, which are covered by separate legislation. PL 2234 establishes a secure, transparent model with strict compliance standards, aimed at attracting investment, generating employment, and boosting national tourism,” Irajá added.
A strong advocate for casino legalization, the senator has been actively engaging with the gaming industry, attending global events in 2024 in Lisbon (Portugal), Florida (USA), and Malta.
Edited by: @_fonta – www.zonadeazar.com