Brazil's proposed betting ban has sparked significant legislative activity, with lawmakers submitting a total of 99 amendments ahead of the October 13 deadline. The most prominent changes seek to reinstate the licenses of all betting operators that had been active prior to the ban's implementation.
Of the 99 amendments submitted, 25 originated from a coalition of 18 deputies and seven senators. Notably, Deputy Mauricio Neves (PP-SP) introduced Amendment 64, which aims to reactivate each suspended federal license with their original terms and without requiring new fees, extending the validity until operators shut down. Similarly, amendments from Deputies Capitão Alden (PL-BA) and Átila Lira (PP-PI) advocate for licenses to remain valid until their original expiration dates. On the contrary, Senator Astronauta Marcos Pontes has proposed Amendment 15, which prohibits online casinos and virtual games while reinstating sports betting licenses.
A key contention surrounding the proposed amendments revolves around the differentiation between sports betting and online casinos. Flávio Bolsonaro, the opposition candidate for the upcoming elections on October 25, emphasizes the necessity of this distinction within legal frameworks. Senator Sargento Reginauro from PSDB-CE submitted 17 amendments on the final day, with the primary one suggesting the enforcement of permanent restrictions on online gambling. The majority of his proposals are conditional, contingent on Congress permitting any form of betting again, and they outline specific regulatory requirements.
Various amendments focused on gambling disorder were introduced by Workers’ Party deputies Ana Paula Lima (PT-SC) and Dr. Francisco (PT-PI), addressing public healthcare challenges and financial issues faced by families affected by gambling, though none seek to lift existing restrictions.
Since its formation on September 30, a joint committee tasked with reviewing these amendments has yet to be officially convened, lacking both leadership and appointed officials. Per Congressional regulations, the proposed legislation is set to halt all other legislative activities by November 9, triggering a 60-day review period that concludes on November 23.
