The push for legalizing land-based casinos in Brazil has encountered yet another delay as the Senate postpones the vote on the controversial PL 2,234/2022 bill. This bill would allow the legalization of land-based gambling verticals such as casinos, bingo, and horseracing, but opposition continues to mount. Despite strong public support for the legislation, political divides within the Senate persist.
While the bill’s supporters argue that land-based casinos could generate billions in revenue, create jobs, and increase tax collection, critics, including Senator Eduardo Girão, fear the negative social impacts of gambling such as addiction and crime.
With a strong majority of the Brazilian public in favour of legalization, the delay is baffling to many. As the country moves towards regulating online betting, the question remains, will Brazil be able to navigate its political gridlock to embrace the future of land-based casinos?