Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Senate Debates Legalization of Casinos

Brazil.- August 9, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com Yesterday August 8th, the Senate discussed an important bill that seeks to regulate the exploration of casinos and other gambling games in Brazil.

Known as the PL of Gambling Games, the project addresses the installation of casinos in the country and returns to the Constitutional and Justice Commission (CCJ) to analyze the amendments presented in plenary. The debate session is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Taxes on activities

A proposal, authored by former federal deputy Renato Vianna (MDB-SC), provides for the creation of two new impostos. The arrecadação will be shared between the states, the Federal District, the municipalities and the Brazilian International Tourism Promotion Agency (Embratur). Also, part of the proceeds will go to sports and culture funds.

Since lotteries continue under special legislation, the defenders of the bill, such as the rapporteur Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), highlight the economic benefits of legalization, such as the increase in the collection of taxes and the attraction of foreign tourists.

On the other hand, critics such as Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) warn of the risks, including the vice in games and the increase in crimes such as money laundering and prostitution exploration.

Restrictions and specific areas for casinos in Brazil

The Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, expressed support for the vote of PL dos Jogos de Apostas, highlighting that the government hopes to have an integrated resort in each state. These are complex resorts that, in addition to lodging, offer casinos and other recreational activities.

Cassinos

Sabino emphasized that the approval of the project will not allow the dissemination of betting games anywhere.

“The approval of this project will not allow any person to enter any establishment and start playing betting games. Only within the integrated resort and in a specific area of ​​​​the local area will the games of roleta, baralho, dice… be allowed,” the minister explained.

Congress Processing

In the first half of 2022, the Chamber of Deputies approved the PL dos Jogos de Apostas. Now, the proposal will be analyzed by the Senate, after approval by the CCJ in June. In discussion at the Congress more than 30 years ago, the project provides for the legalization of casinos in resorts and luxury hotels, as well as the regularization of animal games and bets on horse bullfights outside of racetracks.

Edited: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com