Brazil Senate committee passes new gambling bill

A bill that could introduce sweeping changes to the Brazilian gambling market has been approved by the Special Committee on National Development (CDEN).

SB 186/2014 features measures such as the possible introduction of casinos in Brazil, as well as video lottery terminals and other gambling options including bingo, online sports betting and casino products.

Gambling is currently illegal in Brazil, but many punters in the country take part in underground activities, such as the ‘Jogo do Bicho’ lottery-type game, which, according to CavinAyre, is played in 25 states across the country.

The CDEN approved the original version of the bill in December of last year, but was put forward again after senators proposed 16 amendments.

The latest version of the bill includes a requirement that at least 40 percent of land-based casinos be built in the Central, Northeast, and North regions, while national lottery operator Caixa Economica Federal, and its subsidiaries, will be granted exclusivity to offer online sports betting.

The full Senate will have to approve the bill in order for it to progress to the next stage, with a hearing expected to take place this week.

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