Brazil is currently debating a law to legalize casinos, bingo halls, and horse racing

Brazil is preparing to take a significant step toward the legalization of land-based gambling establishments. On July 9, the Senate will hold a hearing on Bill No. 2234/2022, which was previously approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. The legislation aims to regulate the operation of casinos, bingo halls, and organizations conducting horse racing.
Under the proposed law, licenses for opening gambling venues will only be granted to tourist centers, resorts, and hotels with a minimum of 100 rooms. Each state and the federal district of Brazil will be allowed to have no more than one casino, with the exception of São Paulo (which can have three), as well as Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Amazonas, and Pará (which can each have two).
The bill places particular emphasis on bingo, both in offline and online formats. It stipulates that there will be one bingo hall per municipality, and in larger cities, one establishment for every 150,000 residents. Companies seeking a license must demonstrate a minimum capital of 10 million Brazilian reais (approximately $1.9 million). The license will be valid for 25 years, with the possibility of a renewal for an additional period.
If the law is enacted, gaming machines will be subject to mandatory registration and regular audits. A specific provision addresses betting on horse racing, allowing only one operator for every 700,000 residents in each state or district. Organizations involved in horse racing will need accreditation from the Ministry of Agriculture to operate.
The discussion will also be informed by a recent law approved by the Senate in May, which restricts gambling advertising. Notably, it prohibits the use of images of celebrities, athletes, and influencers in promotional materials.
In a related development, the provider Amigo Gaming has returned to Brazil after obtaining a license from the local regulator.