**Proposed Legislation on Gambling in Brazil Progresses Despite Challenges**
The bill known as 2,234/2022, which aims to legalize casinos, bingo, and the traditional lottery-style game jogo do bicho in Brazil, was initially passed by the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJC) of the Chamber of Deputies with a narrow margin in June. Despite this advancement, the legislation has faced multiple hurdles, preventing it from moving forward.
Earlier hopes for an August decision were dashed, and expectations for a vote in October did not materialize. Most recently, a scheduled vote in the Senate on December 4th was postponed by the bill’s proponent, Senator Irajá Silvestre, following debates and protests around the legislative proposal. Demonstrators opposing the bill held rallies outside the Senate during the discussions.
Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco has announced that the legislation will be reconsidered next year, putting its immediate future on hold.
**Concerns Over Gambling Addiction Surface**
In the interim, several governmental departments are tasked with analyzing and responding to inquiries regarding the bill, particularly concerning its potential impact on gambling addiction in Brazil. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, are expected to provide feedback within 30 days, according to local news sources.
Among the bill’s detractors is Senator Eduardo Girão, who has expressed alarm over the possible negative implications of legalizing online gambling, even though the market is not yet operational. The launch is set for January 1, 2025. Recent studies have indicated substantial negative effects of gambling on consumer finances, particularly impacting vulnerable populations reliant on social welfare.
Political factions and labor unions are seeking to challenge the legislation supporting legalized betting, hoping to have it declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. A verdict from a November hearing is anticipated early in the coming year.
Reflecting on past regulatory decisions, Girão remarked, “We had signals from the betting companies a year ago, and we made an error then. We must not repeat mistakes that could cause further harm.”
Other senators, such as Eliziane Gama and Esperidião Amin, strongly oppose the bill, advocating for its permanent shelving. Amin commented on the proposed legislation, stating, “It has been neither abandoned nor revived; it waits in limbo. It needs to vanish entirely.”
**Efforts to Combat Illegal Gambling Continue**
Despite opposition, Senator Irajá remains hopeful for the passage of the bill, emphasizing its potential to curb illicit gambling operations in Brazil. He argues that formalizing the gambling market under government oversight would ensure safer conditions for participants while facilitating tax revenue collection and enforcement against criminal activities.
“The current situation in Brazil presents a significant challenge,” Irajá stated. “There are those who wish to see gambling remain in the shadows, dominated by organized crime, and then there are proponents like me who support regulated gaming accountable to government oversight, which collects taxes and punishes criminal behavior.”
The date for the next vote has yet to be scheduled.
