The road to legalizing land-based casinos in Brazil has faced several delays, with the controversial bill PL 2,234/2022 still awaiting a full vote in the Brazilian Senate. Despite being approved by the Justice and Citizenship Committee in June of the previous year, the bill has seen repeated postponements. However, Senator Irajá, a key proponent of the bill, remains optimistic that it will eventually be passed.
Senator Irajá’s Confidence Amid Delays
Senator Irajá has expressed confidence that the legalization of land-based casinos is essential for Brazil’s tourism and economic growth. She noted that after multiple public hearings and discussions, the bill is now “ripe” for a vote. Irajá emphasized that the timing for the vote will depend on Senate leadership, including Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, and party leaders. She told Poder360 on April 9, “The matter is ready, ripe to be discussed and voted on in the plenary, as soon as our Senate president Davi Alcolumbre, together with the party leaders, understands that the environment is suitable for voting.”
Irajá believes that the legalizing of land-based casinos could inject an additional BRL 22 billion ($3.8 billion) in taxes to Brazil’s economy, while also doubling the country’s annual tourism numbers from six million to 12 million. She argued that without casinos, Brazil is losing out on a major tourism opportunity, especially as neighboring countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile continue to attract millions of international tourists.
Opposition to Legalization from Evangelical Groups
Despite strong backing from many senators, including Irajá, the bill faces stiff opposition from several political parties. The Evangelical Parliamentary Front, led by Deputy Gilberto Nascimento, is particularly vocal in its opposition. Nascimento has stated that his party will not support the legalization of casinos, calling gambling a “bad influence” and citing concerns over gambling addiction. He said to Poder360 on April 13, “We will mobilize. Everyone is addicted [to gambling], just look at what is happening with online betting. Casinos and physical games tend to get worse. Brazil is not a country with a vocation for gambling.”
Political Figures Weigh In on Timing
Further complicating matters is the stance of Senator Jacques Wagner of the Workers’ Party. Wagner has argued that now is not the right time to debate casino legalization, citing concerns over the current state of gambling in the country. He remarked last week to Poder360, “It is the worst time to debate this, due to the repercussions of the bets. There is no climate to vote this semester.”
Irajá’s Strategy for Building Support
In light of the opposition, Irajá has expressed a willingness to adjust the bill’s text to garner broader support. She has indicated that she is open to dialogue, even with those who have opposed gambling legalization, including the Evangelical Parliamentary Front. “I am open to dialogue, including with the evangelical bench,” Irajá said. “I believe in common sense.”
As Brazil grapples with these political challenges, the debate over the legalization of land-based casinos continues to capture the nation’s attention. While the bill faces political hurdles, the outcome of this legislative push could significantly impact the country’s tourism, economy, and gambling landscape in the coming years.
Source:
Brazil Land-Based Casinos Legalization Faces Opposition, iGaming Business, April 15, 2025.