Legislators have decided to postpone the discussion due to the country’s political climate
Brazil has once again delayed the vote on legalizing land-based casinos, along with other forms of gambling such as jogo de bicho and horse racing betting. The discussion has been postponed before, with an August vote originally expected. After the municipal elections in October, there was hope that the bill would move forward, but progress has stalled.
Senator Irajá Silvestre, who is actively involved in the matter, stated at a business event in São Paulo on October 18 that he has been in discussions with Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco. Both agree that the current political atmosphere isn’t favorable for a vote on the issue. Despite this delay, proponents remain optimistic. Silvestre, the rapporteur of the bill, believes that the legislation has enough support to pass once tensions ease.
If approved, the legislation could bring in approximately BRL 20 billion in annual revenue, a significant boost for the Brazilian economy. Many in the land-based casino industry, such as Alex Pariente of Hard Rock International, feel that the time is right for the bill to pass, given the intense debate and growing support for legalizing these forms of gambling.
At the same time, Brazil has been busy preparing for the launch of regulated online betting, set to begin on January 1, 2025. This development has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the impact of betting on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those reliant on social benefits.
While the land-based casino vote remains in limbo, online betting operators are gearing up for the new market, although some have faced obstacles in the licensing process. Despite the delays, momentum continues to build, and many in the industry expect progress soon.
