Brazil Set to Legalize Land-Based Gambling – What It Means for Poker

Brazil is closer than ever to a major shift in its gambling legislation. Senate Bill PL 2,234/2022, which would legalize land-based casinos, bingo halls, and jogo do bicho, has been marked as urgent by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. The vote could take place before the legislative recess in July, ending a 78-year-old ban that dates back to 1946.

While the bill targets traditional forms of gambling, it also carries important implications for poker—especially in a country that has become one of the world’s most passionate poker markets.

Unlike most gambling games, poker has long been legal in Brazil thanks to its classification as a game of skill rather than chance. This distinction has created a uniquely favorable environment for poker:

• ✅ Online poker is legal and not subject to gambling regulations.
• ✅ Live poker clubs and tournaments are fully legal and widespread.
• ✅ Poker is exempt from Brazil’s historical gambling restrictions.

This legal clarity has allowed poker to flourish both online and offline. Brazil consistently ranks among the top countries in terms of online traffic on major platforms, and the local live scene is vibrant and expanding.

If the bill is approved, Brazil would move to regulate land-based gambling by introducing licenses for:

• Casino resorts
• Bingo halls and slot parlors
• Jogo do bicho operators
• Potentially horse racing and betting terminals

For Poker, the Impact Would Be Positive: AspectCurrent StatusAfter PL 2,234/2022Land-based casinosBanned since 1946Legal and regulatedOnline pokerLegal as a skill gameRemains legalLive poker clubs/eventsLegal in clubsExpands into casinosPoker in casinosNot possibleBecomes legal and licensed

Key Benefits for the Poker Community:

• 🎰 More venues: New casino resorts could include official poker rooms.
• 🌍 Bigger live events: Brazil could attract international series and major tournaments.
• 💼 More sponsorships: A regulated market may appeal to global operators and media outlets.
• 🌐 No impact on online play: Online poker remains legal and unchanged.

Brazil is already a top-tier country in global poker, with millions of players, a strong online presence, and a growing number of professional events. The passing of PL 2,234/2022 wouldn’t legalize poker—it already is legal. But it could boost the industry’s infrastructure, visibility, and international recognition.

Whether you're grinding online, running a local club, or dreaming of WSOP Brazil—poker in Brazil is already thriving. This bill could simply be the next big step forward.

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