“The strong point of Brazil's SB 186/2014 is the legalization of both bingos and online casinos”

What are the high points of Brazil's SB 186/2014? Is there anything you would change about the bill?

We are following SB 186/2014 since its first release, and we have been following the changes made by Blairo Maggi. I believe that the strong point of the project is the legalization of both bingos and online casinos. Although the bill being discussed in the Senate is a victory for all the Brazilian gambling industry, I think the proposal should also cover the most important form of gambling: sports betting.

Furthermore, I believe there should be no limitation on the number of casinos or bingos to be opened in relation to population, as the limitations that the bill seeks to impose will surely create legal discussions. SB 186/2014 should only limit the issuing of licenses.

What games would be allowed?

The amended version of the Bill that was approved by the Senate's Special Committee allows the exploitation of Bingos, Casinos -both land based and online- and “Jogo do Bicho”.

Who are the supporters of the Bill?

ISB 186/2014 has the support of most members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Also, several ministers and representatives from the private sector have spoken in favour of the legalization of gambling in Brazil.

What are the next stages of the Bill process?

Yesterday, SB 186/2014 was approved for the second time by the Senate's Special Commission and will now be sent to the Chamber of Deputies for eventual changes and vote. If there were any changes to be made, the bill would need to return to the Senate for another vote.

Once the final version of the bill is defined, it shall be passed to President Dilma Roussef for sanction.

I believe that Rousseff will enact a Provisional Measure, as the country needs to collect revenue in 2016. The Provisional Measure would allow her to gain time in order to put the law into effect quickly.

Brazil attempted to legalize gambling in several occasions. What is different this time?

It's true, we've come close to legalizing some forms of gambling, such as bingo in 2010 and sports betting recently but I believe this time is different. The conditions are favorable now, for the country needs to create more jobs and generate revenue to cover the deficit of over BRL 120 billion. According to studies, illegal gambling in Brazil moves around BRL 20 billion a year, and with the new law, revenues could reach more than BRL 60 million per year.

What are the main concerns of international gambling companies regarding the future of Brazil?

Yes, we have been working in the gambling sector since 2000. At first, when our company was LenziAdvocacia, we only took care of legal matters. After that, in 2008, we came up with BetConsult, a consultancy company specialized in the gambling segment that provides customers what they need in order to build a business in Brazil. Since legalization has become a possible reality, we have been working extremely hard, both with Brazilian businessmen who want to invest in the gaming sector and with international companies.

The biggest concern is how and when to start a business in Brazil, how to handle tax, labor, and operational issues, as well as comply with the requirements to have a license as soon as legislation is approved.