Federal police are opposing Brazil’s attempts to establish land-based casinos, bingo halls, and retail sports betting. Citing worries about possible hazards like money laundering, the police force recently filed an official document with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The material will be reviewed by the ministry, which will put the existing discussion over the bill under even more scrutiny.
Controversy and Delays in Legislative Progress
The bill, which passed the Justice and Citizenship Committee in June 2024 with a narrow 14-12 vote, has struggled to gain momentum. It hit another roadblock in December 2024 when Senator Irajá Silvestre withdrew the legislation after strong opposition from key political figures. Some lawmakers, including Eduardo Girão, have raised alarms about the potential harms of legalizing gambling. They warn it could lead to addiction and an increase in financial crime.
Despite these setbacks, the bill has strong support from many within the government. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to approve the legislation in the first half of 2025. Advocates believe that the legalization of gambling could significantly boost Brazil’s economy, especially by enhancing the tourism sector.
The Dominican Republic, which welcomed 10 million tourists in 2023—compared to Brazil’s six million—is frequently cited by supporters. According to their argument, a controlled gambling sector might boost Brazil’s reputation as a top travel destination by generating income and jobs.
But the future of the law is still up in the air. The road to legalization becomes more difficult as there is a clear gap between government aspirations and law enforcement concerns. The final judgment made by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security will probably have a significant impact on how Brazil’s gaming sector develops in the future.
The post Brazil’s Gambling Bill Faces Strong Opposition from Federal Police appeared first on iGaming.org.