After a survey carried out by the Planalto Palace indicating support for the release of the games, the Senate decided to go ahead with the survey as there was no resistance.

The proposal has been in Congress for over a decade and has already been voted on in the House. If it is approved in the Senate, it will go for presidential sanction.

In addition to the forecast of raising up to R$20 billion a year in taxes, the justification is the creation of 1 million jobs. The government is said to have carried out a survey indicating that the electorate is in favour of allowing gambling.

Gamblers will not be able to pay with Pix or cash

The vote comes at a time when the effects of online gambling are under discussion and under siege by the Senate.

The rapporteur, Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), argues that, unlike betting, the games cannot be online, which prevents minors from being present. The casinos will only be able to operate inside resorts, one per state, with the exception of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Bahia, which will be able to have three, due to the size of their territories.

In the case of Jogo do Bicho, operation will depend on a licence from the government.

"We're working to ensure that the Responsible Gaming and Integrated Resorts Bill (No. 2234/22) is voted on and approved this autumn. The bill does not deal with so-called “bets” or online betting, which already has specific legislation in place. Bill 2234 creates a safe, controlled model with strict compliance requirements, capable of attracting investment, generating jobs and strengthening national tourism," said the senator.

As well as being one of the main advocates of legalising casinos in Brazil, Irajá is well connected with the gambling industry. Last year, he spent at least 16 days outside the country, taking part in casino and betting industry events. Payments will also not be accepted via Pix or in cash - only credit cards will be allowed.

The trips cost the Federal Senate at least R$45,500 in per diems, according to a report in the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo. To take part in the events, Irajá travelled to Lisbon (Portugal), Florida (USA) and Malta (an island in the Mediterranean) in 2024. The events were organised by the British firm SBC Events, which specialises in the sector.

Por Andreza Matais