Brazilian Senate Postpones Landmark Gambling Legalisation Vote Amid Political Discord and Low Attendance

The Brazilian Senate has once again stalled a historic vote on the bill proposing the legalisation of multiple forms of gambling, following political fractures and insufficient attendance in the chamber. The session on July 8th ended without a decision as Senate President Davi Alcolumbre confirmed that only 56 Senators were present—fewer than the quorum required for deliberating on such a significant legislative shift.

“Due to a big divergence in opinion and the absence of Senators, I will officially remove this from today’s agenda,” Alcolumbre declared, effectively halting proceedings. No alternative date has been scheduled for a renewed vote, leaving the future of the gambling legislation hanging in the balance.

The bill in question, which seeks to reverse Brazil’s 80-year ban on gambling, proposes the legalisation of casinos, video bingo, horse racing betting, and the traditional numbers game Jogo do Bicho. While the proposed legislation has stirred considerable enthusiasm among its backers for its potential economic impact, it has also sparked deep resistance, revealing sharp ideological rifts within the Senate.

Supporters of the bill point to the immense financial promise tied to gambling legalisation. The proposal forecasts an estimated R$100 billion (approximately US$18.35 billion) in private investment, the creation of over 1.5 million jobs across the country, and annual tax revenues projected at R$25 billion (US$4.6 billion). Advocates argue that legalisation would also serve to curb illegal gambling and disrupt links to organised crime by bringing long-outlawed activities into a controlled, regulated framework.

However, the bill faces fervent opposition from conservative factions and religious institutions, which warn of serious social ramifications. These groups argue that lifting the ban on gambling could exacerbate addiction, fuel criminal activities, and erode social structures. Their influence remains strong, making the path toward passage increasingly contentious.

The legislative push to legalise gambling in Brazil is far from new. The topic has been circulating in Congress since 1991, but despite decades of debate, successive efforts have repeatedly faltered amid conflicting views about the moral and societal implications of such a move. The current bill represents the latest chapter in a three-decade-long legislative struggle.

Further complicating the situation is the recent intervention by Brazil’s Finance Minister, who has advocated for a stricter national taxation regime on gambling and betting activities. His stance introduces new fiscal considerations that may impact support from key sectors within the government and private industry.

As it stands, the bill's fate remains uncertain. With no rescheduled vote on the horizon and entrenched divisions still unresolved, the future of gambling legalisation in Brazil hangs in limbo as Senators continue to negotiate their differences.

By fLEXI tEAM