Brazilian Senate fast-tracks casino and bingo legalization with support from Federal Government

According to Metropoles, the Brazilian Senate is expediting efforts to legalize bingo halls, casinos, and the traditional "jogo do bicho" with direct backing from the federal government. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) has informed party leaders that the bill will be put to a vote before the July legislative recess.

The proposal, under debate in Congress for more than a decade, has already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies. If it passes in the Senate, it will be sent to the President for final approval.

Sources say senators were told by the presidential administration that the government will not oppose the bill. A government-commissioned poll reportedly shows strong public support for legalizing gambling. A separate Senate survey, involving 5,000 respondents, also indicated no significant resistance among the population.

Supporters argue the measure could generate up to R$20 billion per year in tax revenue and create around one million jobs. Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), the bill’s rapporteur, emphasized that the bill does not legalize online betting platforms, which are being addressed in separate legislation.

Under the proposed bill (PL 2234/22), casinos would be restricted to operating within integrated resorts. Each state would be allowed one resort-based casino, except for São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Bahia, which would be permitted to have up to three due to their large territories.

"PL 2234 sets up a secure and well-regulated model with strict compliance requirements," said Senator Irajá. "It is designed to attract investment, create jobs, and boost national tourism. Online bets, or 'bets,' are not included in this bill and are being handled through another legal framework."

To ensure greater control and transparency, gambling establishments would not accept payments via Pix (instant bank transfer) or cash—only credit card payments would be allowed.

The vote comes at a time when the Senate is closely examining the effects of online gambling and weighing tighter regulations on digital platforms.