Brazil is edging closer to legalising land-based casinos in the country, according to the Government’s Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino.
Speaking to the Brazilian tourism market publication Mercado e Eventos, Sabino highlighted the progression of Bill 2234/22, which proposes the legalisation of localised casinos, bingo halls and the jogo do bicho.
The Minister noted that the bill is expected to be approved and sanctioned by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the first half of this year.
Sabino said: “The bill regulating casinos has already been approved in the Chamber of Deputies and is in the Senate. We expect it to be approved and sanctioned by the President in the first half of 2025.”
With responsible regulation, the Minister also stated that the legislation of casinos, bingo halls and jogo do bicho can also help to produce income, economic development and employment in the country.
According to Senator Irajá Abreu, the legislation of casinos, bingo halls and jogo do bicho is expected to produce over 1.5 million new direct and indirect jobs over five years.
Narrowly approved 14 to 12 by the Constitution and Justice Committee of the Federal Senate back in June, the project would legalise casinos, bingo, jogo do bicho and horse racing betting in physical establishments.
As a result of the bill, integrated resorts will be able to dedicate 20% of floorspace to gambling activity.
Although the progression of the legislation seems to now be occurring after the Senate previously postponed a vote on the bill in December last year, the industry is still waiting for the final seal of approval from the President.
The legislation would allow for casinos in tourist centres or integrated leisure complexes, such as high-end resorts and hotels with at least 100 rooms, restaurants, bars and venues for meetings and cultural events.
Should Senator Ângelo Coronel‘s amendment be approved, casinos would also be allowed to operate in integrated leisure complexes or on vessels specifically designed for that purpose.
