Celso Sabino has reiterated his support for Bill 2234/22.

Brazil.- While regulated online betting in Brazil went live at the start of the year, progress remains slow on a proposal to legalise land-based casinos. However, tourism minister Celso Sabino has confirmed his backing of Bill 2234/22, which would overturn a military-era ban on casino gambling and also allow bingo halls, jogo do bicho and horse race betting.

At a meeting with BRICS ministers in Brasília, Sabino said the bill could boost economic growth. He said: “As a government entity focused on tourism, we support this initiative alongside other ministries. Our goal is to attract more visitors and promote domestic travel.”

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has previously suggested that he would sign off on the bill if it receives legislative approval. The bill scraped through the lower house by 246 votes against 202. A senate vote is expected in this semester, and senator Irajá Abreu, the bill’s rapporteur, has expressed cautious optimism despite still lacking enough committed votes to get the bill through the upper house.

Evangelical senators remain adamant that they will try to stop the bill. As for public opinion, a survey published by DataSenado last month found 60 per cent in favour.

Ministries continue to work on details including the tax policy. For the moment, there would be a 17 per cent tax on gross gaming revenues and a 20 per cent corporate income tax on net prizes. The Federal Police wants some of that to be directed its way, including to help fund anti-money laundering operations.

Meanwhile, the senator Eduardo Girão has again called for a ban on online betting just months after the regulated market launched. He said betting was creating a rise in addiction and family debt. His last attempt to promote a ban failed.