Brazil Senate approves gambling regulations

PLS 186/2014 (Access bill here), which would regulate gambling activities in Brazil, was approved by the CEDN on Wednesday. The matter was part of the so-called Agenda Brazil, a package of measures proposed by the Senate on the justification of finding solutions for the economic and political crises in the country.

New regulation would allow for both casinos and bingos to operate in the country, and would also legalize electronic games and “jogo do bicho”.

Senator Blairo Maggi, writer of the bill, has presented an amended proposal that would restrict the authorization to operate games of chance to those legal persons who have proven fiscal regularity.

Controversy grows over bill

The bill was not well received by everyone and a lot of discussions arose after its approval. Senator Cristovam Buarque spoke out against the new legislation, stating that it “monopolizes resources”.

Senator Gleisi Hoffmann said she had some doubts regarding the bill, as she believes the proposal should be discussed more in detail. “Gambling can encourage activities that might cause a negative impact on society,” she pointed out.

Despite the controversy, the bill was approved 8-2.

Casinos all over the country

Senator Flexa Ribeiro suggested casinos should only be authorized in less developed regions of the country. According to Ribeiro, casinos would not be allowed to operate neither in the South nor the Southeast.

More employment

Ciro Nogueira, architect of the bill, explained that illegal gambling in the country generates USD 4.8B a year and stressed that Brazil is missing the chance to collect USD 4B annually from gambling due to the absence of a proper legal framework. Nogueira believes that the new regulation will contribute to Brazil's economy and create employment opportunities. “This bill will not only benefit the Government, but also the society as a whole,” he said in a statement.

For more information: Senado Federal - Projeto de Lei