Brazil Casino Legislation Postponed Again as Decades-Long Consideration Continues

Brazil's casino legislation has been postponed once more as Senate leaders decided to delay a bill approved by the lower house of the National Congress aimed at permitting resorts with slot machines and table games, among various other gambling options. 

SBC News Brazil, a media source concentrating on gaming advancements in South America's biggest nation, reports that Federal Senate leaders, with just a minimal quorum to review legislation, opted to abandon Bill No. 2234. The law has been stagnant at the National Congress Palace since the Chamber of Deputies approved it in June 2024 with a 260-238 vote.

"Yesterday and today, given today’s quorum — 56 out of 81 senators — we have eight or nine senators who are outside Brazil on special mandates, and I spoke with all of them. They requested that the presidency postpone the deliberation as they would like to be present on the day this matter is voted on,” said Senate President Davi Alcumbre, as reported by SBC News Brazil’s Ana Maria Menezes.

“We have senators abroad who have clearly stated they support this bill, and we also have senators abroad who are against it,” the Senate boss added.

Casinos Postponed, Yet Again 

Brazil, the seventh most populous nation globally with 212 million inhabitants, has been considering the legalization of casinos, bingo, parimutuel betting, and lottery-style Jogo de Bicho for many years. Several major international gaming operators, primarily Las Vegas Sands, have been closely monitoring the ongoing legislative review in Brasilia. 

Proponents argue that casinos would enhance Brazil's tourism industry and could draw significant conventions, similar to what Sands accomplished in Las Vegas and Singapore. Supporters claim that the multibillion-dollar casino projects, or integrated resorts, would boost the national economy through new investments, job creation, and increased local and federal tax income. 

The late Sheldon Adelson, founder and longtime chairman and CEO of Sands, expressed interest in creating “one or more integrated resorts” in Brazil during a trip to Sao Paulo in 2017. After eight years, the National Congress has yet to reach a decision on the liberalization of casinos. 

As Brazil is a deeply religious nation, numerous lawmakers assert that their voters oppose slots and table games. Conservatives argue that Brazil’s acceptance of online sports betting and casino gambling in 2024 has resulted in disaster.

"Making a mistake once is understandable. Making a mistake twice is not,” said Sen. Eduardo Girão (New Party- Ceará).

The National Congress approved its iGaming and online sports betting legislation to provide the numerous bettors who were using illegal, underground gambling establishments and bookies operated by gangs and criminal organizations a secure, regulated environment to gamble. 

Countries in South America that feature some type of casino gaming or legalized gambling establishments include Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. 

Future Uncertain 

Brazilian legislators initially presented a land-based casino proposal in 1990. With this week's break, the timing of casinos arriving in the South American nation remains uncertain. 

Global gaming markets keep contracting. Brazil's departure for 2025 comes after Thai lawmakers abandoned their casino legislation as well. 

Similar to Brazil, Thailand was expected to draw significant attention from numerous major casino firms.