Brazilian senate postpones vote on casino legalization amidst govt. divisions, evangelical pushback

The Brazilian Senate has delayed a vote on a bill that would legalize casinos and other forms of land-based gambling after Senate President Davi Alcolumbre withdrew the measure from Wednesday’s agenda citing a lack of quorum. The postponement came after divisions within the Lula administration and strong opposition from evangelical lawmakers.

The proposed legislation would permit casinos to operate in tourist areas and integrated resort complexes, while also overturning a law in place since 1946 that criminalizes the traditional numbers game known as jogo do bicho.

The Ministries of Finance and Tourism have endorsed the bill, highlighting its potential to increase federal revenues and stimulate the country’s tourism industry. However, Ministries responsible for Health and Social Development have expressed concern over possible rises in gambling addiction and the financial strain it could place on families dependent on Bolsa Família benefits.

Resistance has also been pronounced among senators affiliated with Brazil’s evangelical caucus. In a letter issued earlier this month, evangelical leaders warned that they would publicly name and shame legislators who supported the proposal. 

Senator Irajá, the bill’s rapporteur, has faced pushback even from within his own party, with figures such as Vanderlan Cardoso, Eliziane Gama, and Zenaide Maia voicing objections on moral and social grounds.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking on the topic last year, suggested that the nation’s gambling laws are outdated. “I always thought that jogo do bicho was the one that distributed the most money. People wake up in the morning and go bet. That’s considered a misdemeanor, prohibited," he said.

“But what about the gambling we see on television today? In sports? Kids with cell phones in their hands placing bets all day long? Who can stop that?” Lula said at the time, adding that he would sign the bill if approved by Congress.

For now, Alcolumbre has not announced a new date for a Senate vote.