Brazil Senate drops iGaming to approve sports betting bill

Brazil’s sports betting bill was approved by the Federal Senate on Tuesday after provisions for online casino gaming were stripped from the legislation.

The amended bill will now return to the House of Representatives, which approved its version of the bill in September.

The Senate approved bill includes the amendments proposed by the Senate Economic Affairs Committee in November, as well as the new amendment to remove online casino games authorisation from the bill.

It now states that wagering is only permitted on real events, while a second approved amendment prohibits retail machines that offer access to online casino games.

Senators also voted on a third amendment to ban gambling advertising in sporting arenas and sponsorship of athletes. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 36-25.

Senator Carlos Portinho, author of the amendment to remove online casino games, said his intention was to return the bill to its original objective. He added that any regulation of iGaming should be dealt with in another bill.