The Brazilian Senate Agency reported that it will discuss draft regulation 2,234/2022 to legalize casinos and jogo do bicho (the popular national lottery) throughout the country. In the first instance, the project will be debated by the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ).
Bill (PL) 2,234/2022 was presented two years ago by the now former deputy Renato Vianna to authorize, among other modalities, the operation of casinos and bingos, horse racing and the aforementioned lottery.
The text authorizes the installation of casinos in tourist centers or integrated leisure complexes, under the limit of one casino in each state and Federal District, with the exception of São Paulo, which could have up to three casinos, and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro .
In addition, gambling houses will also be able to operate on sea and river vessels, which will follow specific rules for this sector. On the other hand, operators must demonstrate a minimum paid-up share capital of at least 100 million reais and will be able to maintain their licenses for 30 years.
At the same time, the bingo sector would also be regulated, in person and online, allowing in each state the accreditation of one legal entity per 700 thousand inhabitants to install these halls. For bingos, licenses would be valid for 25 years, renewable for the same period. Likewise, rules would be added for horse racing, which could be operated by racecourses accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, which could also operate, at the same time, bingo and video bingo games.
“The project seeks to transfer to state control a practice that today constitutes a minor crime,” argued Senator Irajá Abreu. And he cited statistics on the legal or illegal betting market, which demonstrate that “gambling already constitutes a relevant economic activity.”
The explosion of the Brazilian betting market and the possible opening of casinos is attracting global giants in the sector. According to a report by the newspaper O Globo, companies such as DraftKings, Hard Rock International and MGM Resorts International, as well as Caesars Entertainment, are considering entering this market.
These names are among the more than 130 companies that have expressed prior interest in a Brazilian license, as reported by the Ministry of Finance.
