Brazil has seen a significant legislative move as 99 amendments have been filed by lawmakers concerning the country's betting ban. The proposed revisions aim to reinstate the licenses of all operators that were valid prior to the imposition of the ban.
The amendments were submitted by a coalition of 25 lawmakers, including 18 deputies and seven senators, ahead of the October 13 deadline at 11:59 p.m. Notably, Amendment 64, presented by Deputy Mauricio Neves (PP-SP), seeks to restore each federal license that was suspended, maintaining the original terms while eliminating the need for a new fee. This amendment also proposes to extend the duration of these licenses until the operators cease their activities. Meanwhile, Amendments 69 and 77, filed by Deputies Capitão Alden (PL-BA) and Átila Lira (PP-PI) respectively, stipulate that licenses should remain valid until their original expiration dates. In contrast, Amendment 15, introduced by Senator Astronauta Marcos Pontes, calls for banning online casinos and virtual games, while restoring licenses specifically for sports betting.
The debate surrounding the sports betting ban has sparked considerable controversy. A dominant faction seeks to draw a clear line between sports betting and online casinos—supporting the former while opposing the latter. This distinction aligns with the stance of Flávio Bolsonaro, an opposition candidate in the upcoming second round of elections on October 25, who advocates for clarity in the legislative framework.
Senator Sargento Reginauro from PSDB-CE contributed 17 amendments, with his first proposal aiming to establish permanent restrictions on online gambling. Most of the other amendments commissioned by him apply only if Congress permits certain types of betting to resume, outlining conditions for such activities.
In separate submissions, Deputies Valadares (PL-SE) and Alden proposed amendments focused on limiting specific derivatives from the regulatory agency CVM. Additionally, two deputies from the Workers' Party, Ana Paula Lima (PT-SC) and Dr. Francisco (PT-PI), introduced amendments addressing gambling-related disorders in public healthcare and providing support for families facing financial challenges; however, these revisions do not seek to lift the existing gambling restrictions.
A joint committee was established on September 30 but has yet to initiate its operations, lacking both a designated head and reporting officer. According to congressional rules, this proposed legislation will halt all other congressional activities starting on November 9, marking the beginning of a 60-day period that will conclude on November 23.
