Brazilian Senate to Debate Landmark Casino and Bingo Bill

Bill 2,234/2022 — the legislation aimed at regulating land-based casinos, bingo halls, slot machines, and horseracing — is set to be discussed in Brazil’s Federal Senate tomorrow, following its approval by the Chamber of Deputies and passage through the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) last summer.

The proposal represents a major development for the Brazilian gambling sector, coming just months after the legalisation of iGaming and sports betting in January. If passed, the bill would pave the way for integrated casinos to be authorised in tourist resorts, leisure complexes, or hotels with more than 100 rooms.

Under the terms of the bill, each state across Brazil and the Federal District would be permitted to host one casino, with exceptions made for São Paulo — which could host three — and Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Amazonas and Pará, which would be allowed two each.

The legislation also outlines a framework for both land-based and online bingo. It proposes a limit of one bingo hall per municipality, with larger cities allowed one hall per 150,000 residents. Operators will need to demonstrate a minimum paid-up share capital of BRL 10 million (approx. $1.83 million) to qualify. Licences would be granted for up to 25 years, with the option to renew for another 25 years.

Slot machines, too, are covered under the bill, with strict provisions around government registration and regular auditing. The legislation would also allow one ‘animal game’ operator per 700,000 residents per state or district, and formally accredit horseracing bodies through the Ministry of Agriculture to manage the sport.

If passed, the bill would mark another key step in Brazil’s ongoing transformation into one of the most promising regulated gambling markets in Latin America.