Brazil's Senate has rejected a request to fast-track the vote on a long-debated bill that would legalize casinos and bingo halls, regulate betting on horse racing and allow jogo do bicho, a lottery-style game that's popular in Brazilian culture.
The urgency motion was defeated by 36 votes to 28 during a plenary session, meaning the proposal will now follow the standard legislative timetable.
The announcement that the bill would be put to a vote was made at the start of the Senate's final deliberative session of the year by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre.
The proposal was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and has been under Senate review since 2022.
Opposition to the bill remains strong, particularly among members of the religious group, who argue that expanding legal gambling could fuel addiction and criminal activity, including money laundering and trafficking.
Senator Eduardo Girão voiced strong criticism during the debate.
"It will not only target people who already gamble abroad, but will also target the poorest," he said.
Supporters of the bill countered that regulated, land-based casinos could boost tourism and generate tax revenue, especially in states with strong tourism potential.
Another senator, Weverton Rocha, defended moving forward with the discussion.
"I think it is hypocritical for a country the size of Brazil, with so many tourist areas, to oppose casinos.
"A physical casino, with rules, will generate taxes in my state and I am supposed to say I am against it? We need to review rules for online casinos, not physical ones, which have strict access and gaming controls," Rocha said.
With the urgency request rejected, the bill will now proceed through the Senate at a slower pace, with no set date for a final plenary vote.
The proposal was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and by the Senate's Constitution and Justice Committee
