The bill will be voted in the Senate, in a context of a lack of consensus and with the expectation of resistance, including from senators of the evangelical bench. While supporters talk about generating wealth for the country, opponents cite a possible increase in crimes, such as money laundering, as well as the occupation and legitimisation of criminal organisations and an increase in unhealthy addictions.

Against this backdrop, there is no guarantee that the issue will actually be voted on next week or before the National Congress recess, which begins on 17 July. The rapporteur is Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), who in December presented a favourable opinion on the operation of games and casinos.  

Also on the agenda is a request for urgency for the text proposed by party leaders in 2024 - including Alcolumbre's signature. The issue has been under debate in Congress since 1991 and has already undergone several changes, including approval by the Chamber of Deputies.

The bill establishes specific rules for different types of gambling. The text under discussion authorises the installation of casinos in tourist centres or integrated leisure complexes, such as resorts and high-end hotels, or on maritime vessels (limited to ten in the country) and river ships with at least 50 rooms.

As a general rule, each state and the Federal District may have one casino. There are exceptions, however, based on the size of the population or territory. Thus, São Paulo can have up to three, while Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará can have up to two.

The text provides for the permanent operation of bingos in specific locations, including modalities such as cards, electronics and video bingo. Each city will be able to have one bingo parlour. But in larger cities, there is the possibility of one establishment for every 150,000 inhabitants.

Another provision in the proposal deals with betting machines, which must have a lease registered with the government and undergo periodic audits. The text defines the division of revenue (the difference between the total number of bets placed and the prizes paid out), with 40 per cent going to the rental company and 60 per cent to the shop where the bingo or casino is located.

Horse race betting can only be operated by horse racing organisations accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture. The same organisations may simultaneously operate bingo and videobingo, provided they obtain specific registration and do so at the same location as the horse races.

Those who operate the games may also be subject to two new taxes: the Gaming and Betting Inspection Fee (Tafija) and the Contribution for Intervention in the Economic Domain on the commercialisation of gaming and betting (Cide-Jogos). There is provision for exemptions from other taxes for bookmakers. The text may be amended until it is voted on in the Senate.

By Lucyenne Landim