Brazil eyes casino legalization by mid-2025, Tourism Minister confirms

Brazil's Tourism Minister Celso Sabino expressed confidence that land-based casinos will be legalized in the first half of 2025 during an interview with the Mercado & Eventos portal. He emphasized that the bill has already been approved in the Chamber of Deputies and is currently awaiting Senate approval.

The proposed bill PL 2,234/2022 would legalize casinos, bingo, and horse race betting, having already been approved by the Justice and Citizenship Committee in June 2024. Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco has confirmed the vote will occur in 2025, with Sabino anticipating full presidential sanctioning in the first six months.

The potential casino legalization comes after Brazil successfully launched its regulated online betting market on January 1, 2025. International gaming operators like Bet365 and Hard Rock International have shown significant interest in the Brazilian market, recognizing its substantial economic potential.

Despite facing opposition from some senators concerned about potential social impacts, key stakeholders remain confident the bill will pass. The legislation aims to create a safer betting environment by bringing gambling activities under regulated oversight.

With a projected 12% tax rate on gross gambling revenue, Brazil stands to generate substantial economic benefits from this new regulatory framework. The country appears poised to become a major player in the global gaming industry.