Brazil inches closer to online gambling regulation following committee vote

Brazil has taken another step towards launching a regulated online gambling market after a House of Representatives committee approved an amended version of the country’s proposed comprehensive gambling legislation.

On Wednesday, the Special Committee on National Development (CEDN) approved a raft of amendments that senators had proposed for SB 186/2014.

The bill envisions sweeping changes to Brazil’s gambling market, including the introduction of casinos, video lottery terminals and other options such as online sports betting, bingo and casino products.

CEDN had already approved the original version of SB 186/2014 in December, but senators subsequently proposed 16 amendments, five of which were added to the original text, including barring public officials and their relatives from involvement in gambling businesses and ensuring the suitability of would-be gambling licensees.