Brazil’s Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJ) has taken a significant step by approving a bill that legalizes casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho, and horserace betting. The bill, known as PL 2,234/2022, passed with 14 votes in favor and 12 against on June 19. Having been under consideration since 2022, it now advances to the Senate plenary for further voting, following its prior approval by Brazil’s chamber of deputies.

A Great Opportunity for Brazil

During the CCJ meeting, Senator Irajá highlighted the potential benefits of regulating betting and gaming in Brazil. He emphasized that this move represents a significant opportunity for the country, promising job creation, increased income, and enhanced tax revenues, which could be redirected toward essential sectors such as health, education, social services, and infrastructure.

“We can no longer lose this great opportunity that other competing countries have already understood and is seen to generate jobs, income and taxes, which will obviously be reversed into benefits for the Brazilian people in the most essential areas, such as health, education, social and infrastructure,” Irajá stated.

Regulations and Taxes

The bill sets forth specific regulations for various forms of gambling, including casinos, betting machines, bingo, and animal racing. It also introduces two new types of taxes: the Gaming and Betting Inspection Fee (Tafija) and the Economic Intervention Contribution levied on the marketing of games and betting (Cide-Jogos). Tafija would be paid quarterly, amounting to R$600,000 for casinos, R$300,000 for online gaming locations, and R$20,000 for bingo halls, Jogo de Bicho operators, and tourism companies. The Cide-Jogos tax rate would be set at 17% of gross revenue, with prizes over R$10,000 subject to a 20% income tax.

Casino Operations

Should the bill become law, casinos would be permitted in tourist centers or integrated leisure complexes, such as resorts and hotels with bars, meeting spaces, and a minimum of 100 rooms. Additionally, casinos could operate on boats and ships with at least 50 rooms, given certain river length parameters. There would be a limit of one casino per state and the Federal District, with São Paulo, allowed up to three casinos and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Pará up to two each. Each casino would be required to have a minimum paid-up share capital of R$100 million.

Bingo and Racing

The legislation also covers the legalization of bingo in card, electronic, and video formats. Each municipality could have one bingo house, with larger cities allowed one per 150,000 inhabitants. Licensed bingo houses could operate for 25 years, subject to renewal, and would need to provide proof of a minimum paid-up share capital of R$10 million.

For animal racing, the bill allows one legal racing entity per 700,000 inhabitants, except for Roraima, which would have a jogo do bicho operator due to its lower population. Bets on horseracing would be managed by Brazilian tourism entities accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, which could also operate bingo and video bingo games within the same grounds as the races.

Protections and Enforcement

PL 2,234/2022 also proposes several measures to protect bettors. This includes a self-exclusion program called the National Registry of Prohibited Persons (Renapro), requiring venues to check if anyone attempting to enter a casino is registered. Additionally, the bill outlines the National Policy for the Protection of Players and Bettors, promoting honest conduct in gambling and discouraging compulsive behavior.

The bill introduces new criminal penalties for illegal gambling activities, with up to four years in prison for partaking in or advertising unlicensed games, doubled if minors are involved. Tampering with games or results could lead to up to seven years in prison, with penalties doubled if the victim is elderly, a minor, or registered with Renapro.

Legal and Economic Impact

Federal Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino indicated that the Supreme Court might eventually need to rule on the constitutionality of this bill due to its potential interface with organized crime. The proposal aims to attract substantial investments, create millions of jobs, and generate significant annual revenue for Brazil.

Since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved Bill 3,626/2023 in December, which legalized sports betting and iGaming, Brazil has been moving rapidly towards establishing a regulated gaming industry. The Ministry of Finance expects sports betting and iGaming to be fully legal by the end of July, currently working on the regulatory policy for technical and security requirements for operators.

Source:

Legalization of casinos and bingos in Brazil could reach the Supreme Court, gamesbras.com, June 21, 2024.

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Last year, North Carolina’s Republican leaders failed to progress a commercial casino legalization measure amid internal disagreements. As it turns out, the same struggles could prevent the party from making any meaningful advancement this year as well.

To make matters worse, the clock is ticking and approximately a third of the legislative session has already passed. This year’s session is set to run through the end of July, providing casino supporters with two more months to push for the legalization of commercial casino gaming.

As mentioned, the expansion of the state’s gambling industry could prove to be an uphill battle because of disagreements between GOP leaders. House Speaker Tim Moore, who used to support Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger’s casino efforts, pointed out that the recent discussions were marred in controversy and could prove to be a tricky challenge.

According to Moore, the heated casino talks alienated some supporters and could prevent any meaningful advancement this session. During a recent discussion of a video lottery terminal bill, Moore emphasized that hard feelings about the conclusion of the last session still persist and could overshadow the actual VLT discussions.

Berger’s Deal with the Cordish Companies Alienated GOP Members

For context, Berger alienated many House Republicans by striking what many believed to be a backroom deal with the Cordish Companies during the legalization process. Under the agreement, Berger would have given the Maryland-based casino powerhouse each of the three casino opportunities in North Carolina.

While many customers in the state expressed their support for the legalization of commercial casino gaming, Berger’s actions convinced some Republicans, Moore included, to drop their support for the legalization.

Berger eventually acknowledged his legislative defeat and promised to never try to push for casino gaming in North Carolina, instead allowing the House to initiate the process when it’s ready.

In other news North Carolina recently launched legal sports betting, joining a list of more than three dozen states. A month ago, Gov. Roy Cooper commented on a tax change proposal, expressing his support for the measure.

Cooper also weighed in on the potential unexpected tax burden for bettors in the state, explaining that it is not fair for local gamblers to pay taxes on winnings without the possibility of deducting losses.

The post NC’s Casino Legalization Prospects Are Bleak amid Waning Support appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In a renewed effort to bring casino gambling to Texas, advocates face significant obstacles despite recent momentum in legislative discussions.

Adelson Family Drives Efforts for Casino Legalization in Major Texan Cities

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, spearheading the campaign for legalized casino gaming, aims to introduce destination-style resort casinos in major Texan cities such as Dallas and San Antonio. Bolstered by their recent acquisition of a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, the Adelson Family, owners of Las Vegas Sands, are pouring resources into lobbying efforts through the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, reported News 4 San Antonio.

Political analysts express cautious optimism about the prospects of casino legalization. Dr. Jon Taylor, a political science chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio, indicated that there is an increasing momentum in support of casino gambling. He pointed out that this trend is evident due to the strategic investments made by major corporations such as Las Vegas Sands. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly among staunch conservative and evangelical factions within Texas politics.

Opponents of casino legalization, predominantly conservative and evangelical groups, argue against the moral implications of expanding gambling. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emerged as a prominent voice against gaming expansion, reflecting the sentiments of a significant conservative base within the state.

Texas Grapples with Political Divide in Push for Casino Legalization

The political landscape further complicates the path to legalization. Recent primary elections saw moderate Republicans, potentially supportive of casino legislation, defeated or facing runoffs against more conservative counterparts. 

Despite some openness from Speaker of the House Dade Phelan and a slight concession from Gov. Greg Abbott, the constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers pose a formidable challenge.

Scott Braddock, an editor of the Quorum Report, emphasized the challenge by explaining that due to the need for a constitutional amendment, approval would require two-thirds of both the House and the Senate to vote in favor before presenting it to the people. Such a consensus seems elusive in the current Republican-controlled legislature, despite public opinion polls indicating favorable views toward expanded gaming.

Advocates highlight the potential economic benefits of casino legalization, emphasizing increased revenue and tourism opportunities for the state. Dr. Taylor underscored the competitive disadvantage Texas faces compared to neighboring states already offering various forms of gambling.

While advocates rally for change, the road to casino legalization in Texas remains steep and uncertain. As political dynamics continue to evolve, the outcome hinges on navigating a complex landscape of ideological divides and legislative hurdles.

The post Advocates Rally for Texas Casino Legalization Amidst Political Roadblocks appeared first on Keno Wizard.

New York State previously announced its plans to introduce three new downstate casino licenses. One of those licenses is expected to be awarded for New York City and there are plenty of leading gaming operators and developers who have already shown interest. Overall, there are nine bids for a casino license for the Big Apple.

Earlier this week, city lawmakers approved important changes to the regulations, paving the way for the development of one casino. On Thursday, the New York City Council voted and approved a text amendment that would “allow applicants, with a proposed gaming site in the city, to be considered by committees of local officials established by the State’s casino licensing process.”

The City Council greenlighted the Gaming Facility Text Amendment which makes changes to New York’s zoning. Previously, casinos were not permitted within the Big Apple’s zoning, but the change seeks to address this conflict while still ensuring that local communities can help decide whether or not a casino is established in their area.

Operators interested in casino licenses must first secure approval from the local Community Advisory Committees (CACs), which will review submissions made before June 30, 2025. According to the City Council, after CACs approval and a Gaming Facility Location Board recommendation, one of those bids would be able to secure one of the three casino licenses announced by the New York State Gaming Commission.

“Currently, casinos are not permitted uses within New York City’s zoning. This text amendment would resolve this zoning conflict, while maintaining communities’ decision-making authority on casino licenses within the State’s application process, which first requires approval by local Community Advisory Committees (CACs),“

reads a statement from the New York City Council

Casino Opponents Raise Concerns

Although the voting of the zoning change text passed, it wasn’t without opposition. A majority of 35 council members supported the change while 15 members voted against it.

The City Council confirmed that the sites that would be considered for a casino would be “limited to high-density commercial and manufacturing areas.” This was precisely one concern for Kalman Yeger, one of the council members who voted against the zoning text change. Quoted by amNewYork, he revealed: “Casinos are bad, but they’re even worse in our residential neighborhoods.” Moreover, Yeger said: “They’re worse just blocks away from our schools, from our kids, from family lives. And no amount of revenue is worth destroying neighborhoods in the city. So that a lot of people can make some money…It’s bad policy.”

Despite the progress, there’s plenty of time before the potential approval of a casino license in New York.

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The legalization of online gambling in New York has been a hot topic for years. Sen. Joseph Addabbo, one of the supporters of iGaming, has been pushing for its legalization since 2019. Despite his previous proposals which have not gained enough traction to be passed into law, earlier this year, he filed his latest proposal for iLottery and iGaming in New York. Introducing Senate Bill 8185 earlier this month, the Senator stayed true to his word after hinting about such plans last year.

The iGaming and iLottery proposal seeks to further expand the gambling options available for New Yorkers. Since the state legalized and launched its online sports betting market, it surpassed records that have taken years to set in other jurisdictions. In fact, January was another record-breaking month for online sports betting.

Just like online sports betting, Sen. Addabbo seeks to legalize iGaming with the state reaping all the benefits that come along. The legalization of the activity will not only generate tax revenue but provide New Yorkers with platforms that are licensed to offer such services thus reducing the share of the black market.

Despite the benefits, not everyone agrees with the proposed iGaming legalization. The initiative caught the attention of the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union with workers from Resorts World casino voicing their concerns about the potential negative impact of online gambling.

iGaming Opponents Warn the Activity May Hurt Brick-and-Mortar Casinos

According to a report by the New York Post, close to 700 brick-and-mortar casino employees opposed the iGaming proposal, citing concerns about the future of their employment. “We find it appalling that you are pushing legislation that would hurt workers like us and our industry in order to benefit a handful of companies who are seeking massive profits at our expense,” reads a letter sent by the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union.

In their letter, the workers spoke about the proceeds from gambling at retail casinos, saying that such activities help support not only dealers but hotel workers, cooks, servers, bartenders and more related jobs. The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union’s letter explained that if New Yorkers can gamble from their smartphones, they won’t visit a brick-and-mortar casino, adding that the money gambled “would go straight into the pockets of gaming companies, rather than to support the livelihoods of thousands of New Yorkers who support the state’s gaming industry.”

But Sen. Addabbo disagreed with the workers’ concerns. He explained that the legalization of online gambling is only a matter of time highlighting that the legal iGaming market can generate between $800 million and $1 billion in revenue annually.

Moreover, Sen. Addabbo said that based on studies, the online gambling sector would not reduce the work for the retail casino industry. Finally, he said that an estimated $25 million per year would be dedicated toward protecting jobs in the casino industry while at the same time, iGaming dealers would be a part of the state’s union.

The post New York iGaming Legalization Faces Opposition from the Retail Sector appeared first on Keno Wizard.

North Carolina may not authorize more casinos but legal video gambling machines could be on the table. According to the latest reveals from General Assembly members, lawmakers may introduce an attempt to sanction the vertical this spring.

For reference, North Carolina tried to expand its land-based casino industry with four new properties. However, the proposal failed to gain traction amid strong opposition from opponents of the Republican-backed measure. This primarily included Christian conservatives and Democrats.

For reference, North Carolina currently boasts three tribally-operated casinos.

The previous measure also envisioned the licensing of gambling machines through the state regulator. While this idea also faltered, legislators are keen on giving it another go.

According to House Speaker Tim Moore, the revival of the video lottery terminal question continues to be actively discussed by lawmakers and had been the preferred aspect of the previous proposal. However, Moore admitted that the previous bill didn’t go as planned.

Berger Weighed in on the Matter

Senate leader Phil Berger was an avid supporter of the previous measure, arguing that it would create additional jobs and revenues for the state and rural areas. However, he told news outlets that he doesn’t plan to introduce new casino legislation in the near future. In addition, he doesn’t think anyone else is planning to champion the expansion of the state’s casino industry for now.

Berger also addressed the plans to reintroduce a video gambling machines bill, noting that he is uncertain whether there would be enough time to properly discuss and consider the measure. Since sessions in even-numbered years tend to be shorter, getting the machines greenlit would be an uphill battle, the Senator believes.

In addition, experts are certain that conservatives are once again going to oppose the measure and would likely argue that an extra gambling vertical would expose vulnerable people in the state to extra risks of developing gambling harm.

Speaking of North Carolina, the NC State Lottery Commission recently approved Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a provider of high-quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services, as an Independent Test Lab.

The post NC Gives Up on Casino Expansion, Gambling Machine Legalization Still Possible appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Texas, the second-biggest US state in terms of population and area, is among several states that currently do not offer legal sports betting. In Oklahoma, one of Texas’ neighboring states, efforts toward legalization continue, while Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico, all of which are bordering Texas, currently offer legal betting on sports. But the fight toward legalizing sports betting in Texas continues, with former Gov. Rick Perry confirming his support for the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a group of US operators that support the safe and legal sports betting sector.

In a video released on X, the Governor revealed that he joins the SBA in support for the legalization of sports betting across Texas. Perry estimated that the size of the illegal sports betting market in the state is in the billions. He said that there is an estimated $8.7 billion in bets placed in Texas via illegal, unlicensed, offshore betting operators.

Gov. Perry warned that the use of illegal betting operators poses a threat to the personal information of the users. Moreover, he said that there is no guarantee that bettors would receive their payouts. According to the former Governor, there are no legal repercussions against the illegal offering, posing another risk for the consumers who use such services.

“I joined the Sports Betting Alliance because it’s time to end the offshore, illicit market for sports betting and create a consumer protected online sports betting market in Texas,“

wrote former Gov. Rick Perry

The Legalization of Wagering on Sports, a Homerun for Everyone

Another important point raised by the former Governor is the support of professional sports franchises in Texas. He explained that the state’s 11 major professional sports franchises support the legalization of sports wagering.

“Given that Texans are already participating in mobile sports betting, legalization would be a homerun for all involved,“

added Perry

Gov. Perry explained that while more than 35 states have already legalized the activity, Texas “continues to fall behind.” Speaking about the state’s neighbors, he added that they are benefitting from money that can otherwise stay in Texas. The former Governor added that the legalization of betting can raise significant proceeds for the state, estimating the activity can generate up to $556 million annually.

Speaking about the integrity of sports, Perry said that a robust set of rules needs to be implemented. Those rules, the Governor said, would help safeguard the integrity of sports competitions while at the same time providing legal options for Texans to wager on.

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Hawaii has made an unexpected entry into the US online gambling discourse as a new bill offers to implement a limited form of online gambling in 2024. Despite not being a likely candidate for gambling expansion, Senator Ronald D. Kouchi has introduced bill SB3376, proposing the creation of a single-operator market for online poker and sports betting.

Legalized Gambling Could Solve Several Issues

The proposed bill establishes the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission (HGCC), consisting of seven part-time members appointed by the Governor. It aims to regulate online-only gambling, keeping Hawaii free of any regulated retail gambling. The HGCC would be responsible for selecting a single operator for licensing, with a 10-year renewable license, prioritizing ease of regulation.

Senator Kouchi’s legislation aims to address the tens of thousands of Hawaii residents engaging in illegal online gambling, often on offshore platforms. The bill argues that a regulated market would capture lost revenue and benefit the state and its citizens. Hawaii urgently needs extra income, especially after the 2023 wildfires, as it still struggles to recover from the disaster.

The selected licensee may offer sports betting and online poker but not casino games. The financial terms involve a unique profit split, starting at 70% for the state and 30% for the operator in the first year. This ratio gradually shifts in favor of the operator by 5% each successive year, reaching a minimum of 5%.

The Bill’s Future Remains Uncertain

While Hawaii’s proposal is unique in structuring the revenue split and proposing online poker without casino games, the bill faces several immediate issues. The state’s small population size and the niche nature of poker could make it less attractive to operators. The bill omits any references to negotiations for interstate compacts, leaving questions about sustaining online poker traffic.

Hawaii’s strategy mirrors past proposals in Kentucky that prioritized sports betting over poker due to broader appeal and potential revenue. Mounting financial pressures mean the legislation has very ambitious timing, aiming to become effective on 1 July 2024. This timeframe gives the HGCC 120 days to accept applications and an additional 90 days to select a winning candidate, setting a probable market launch in the first half of 2025.

House sports betting bill, HB 2765, does not yet have a hearing date, making its fate even more uncertain. It reflects a continuing trend of states exploring online gambling as a source of revenue and regulatory control. Industry experts are keenly observing the situation to see how Hawaii’s unique approach will fare in the legislative process.

The post Hawaii Considers Limited Online Gambling Legalization in 2024 appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Missouri is one of a handful of US states that are yet to legalize sports betting. Legislators in the state have previously shown support for the legalization of the activity, but efforts haven’t gained much traction. While previously, the House showed support for the legalization of wagering on sports, efforts halted in the Senate over arguments about the growing illegal retail sector across the state.

While efforts of lawmakers have previously stalled, professional sports teams in the state joined forces in support of the legalization of sports betting. A coalition, supported by professional sports teams in Missouri leads the efforts in legalizing sports wagering. This coalition includes St. Louis City, a soccer club, St. Louis Blues, a hockey team, as well as St. Louis Cardinals, a baseball team, who are leading the charge for the legalization.

Currently, the coalition has proposed eight ballot questions that will seek a response from voters in the state. Ultimately, the proposal calls for the legalization of retail and mobile sports wagering and the implementation of a 10% betting tax. If the activity is legalized, some $29 million is expected to be raised for education. The proposed legalization calls for the development of a $5 million problem gambling fund.

Despite the coalition’s plan, a report released by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggests that not everyone agrees with the legalization of sports wagering. Citing research, the report outlined data from a Remington Research Group survey that uncovered some 54% of 711 likely voters would oppose the legalization of sports betting. With only 26% voting in favor, 20% admitted they were not sure whether to support it or not.

Betting Legalization Is Still Far from Becoming a Reality

Supporters of the legalization of sports betting in Missouri would now need to select one out of the eight questions to be placed on the ballot. Yet, to include the question, supporters need to collect signatures of at least 170,000 residents across the state.

“I would be thrilled if we could get legislative action because then we wouldn’t have to do it. I’m hopeful, but I’m also being realistic.“

Bill DeWitt III, president of The Cardinals

The Cardinals’ president, Bill DeWitt III, said that the coalition’s next step is to discuss the proposed legalization with members of the gambling sector. After that, he said, they would consult on how to collect the necessary signatures. While DeWitt said that he hopes to see lawmakers act on the legalization of sports betting, he explained that he looks at the matter realistically.

The efforts toward legalization of sports betting come at a time when most US states have already legalized some form of the activity. According to data from the American Gaming Association, 37 US states and Washington DC offer sports betting, while less than a dozen states are yet to legalize the activity.

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Sports betting has emerged as the front-runner in the race to legalize gambling in Georgia, overshadowing discussions on casinos and horse racing. 

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones Foresees Smooth Sailing for Sports Betting

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, a staunch supporter of sports betting, believes it should be an “easy lift” compared to other forms of gambling, reported The Macon Telegraph. Jones, who introduced a sports betting bill in 2020, asserts that sports betting enjoys more popularity than casinos and horse racing among Georgians.

The recent legislative session saw a significant development when former Georgia Chief Justice Harold Melton opined that sports betting could be legalized without amending the state’s constitution. Melton categorized sports betting as akin to a lottery game, allowing oversight by the Georgia Lottery Corp., already incorporated into the constitution in 1992.

Despite this, divisions emerged among lawmakers regarding the best approach. Some favored a constitutional amendment to involve Georgia voters in the decision, while an alternative Senate measure aimed to include sports betting in the constitution. Both measures were defeated, postponing any decision until 2024.

Georgia’s Upcoming Legislative Session Poised for Sports Betting Breakthrough

Lt. Gov. Jones anticipates that the Senate will lead the charge on sports betting in the upcoming legislative session, with the Metro Atlanta Chamber once again throwing its weight behind the cause. The chamber, closely aligned with Atlanta’s professional sports teams, sees legalized sports betting as a catalyst for increased fan engagement.

Marshall Guest, senior vice president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, emphasized the potential economic benefits, citing that 38 states have already legalized sports betting since a 2018 US Supreme Court decision granted states that authority.

Lawmakers are considering various avenues for legalization, with State Rep. Ron Stephens advocating for a constitutional amendment. Stephens argues that the tax benefits of sports betting make the constitutional amendment route more appealing, even though it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.

Supporters highlight the potential tax revenue, earmarked for Georgia’s popular HOPE Scholarships and Pre-Kindergarten programs, as a compelling reason to move forward with sports betting legalization. Advocates believe that emphasizing these educational and community benefits could sway the necessary two-thirds majority in an election year.

While some have floated the idea of combining sports betting, casinos, and horse racing into a single constitutional amendment, skeptics like Stephens argue that such a comprehensive approach might be overly ambitious. As Georgia gears up for another legislative session, the push for sports betting legalization appears stronger than ever.

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