Brazil: treatment of Gambling Legislation in Senate postponed again

Although gaming “is part of human nature”, as claimed by senator Benedicto de Lira, the moving forward of this legislation in Congress continues to be uncertain as intentions are still far away from becoming actions.

The Committee's vote on the matter was supposed to take place today, but the senator in charge of this project, Benedito de Lira, argued that some changes were necessary in order to enhance the PLS 186/2014 as well as the conditions for the regulation of this activity, which has been banned in the country for over 75 years. He assured that a through work has been made regarding the gambling bill and no further amendments would be necessary. Therefore, there will be no obstacles for the bill to be voted on next session and finally be brought before the whole Senate.

One of the amendments incorporated into the bill states that the operation of slot machines will only be allowed in casinos. That is to say, their operation in hipódromos and bingos will be forbidden. Other changes included in the bill are related to the power to oversee the Jogos do Bicho: they will fall under the authority of the federal government instead of the individual states.

The senator is sure that gambling regulation is necessary: “Games have always been a part of the civilization’s imaginary. They are deeply rooted in the origins of culture”. Besides, the long period of gambling ban in Brazil—of almost 75 years—ended up by mistakenly labeling this issue as a matter of moral, and in that way, corrupting its regulation”.