On Saturday, February 1, Brazil's prospects for land-based gambling saw a significant advancement with the re-election of Davi Alcolumbre as the president of the senate.
Alcolumbre, a former senate president from 2019 to 2021, has played a significant role in advocating for gambling in Brazil.With the commencement of the 2025 legislative session over the weekend, Alcolumbre took the oath of office following a decisive victory, securing 73 out of 81 votes.

As the president of the justice and citizenship committee (CCJ), he played a pivotal role in advancing PL 2,234/2022, a legislative proposal aimed at legalising casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho, and horse racing betting. The legislation received approval in June 2024 with a narrow vote of 14-12, but it is still pending full endorsement from the senate due to several delays.

The recent appointment may elevate land-based legalisation on the senate's agenda, especially with Alcolumbre returning to his position.

According to O Globo reports, Alcolumbre has expressed desires to legalise land-based gambling. Brazil’s tourism minister Celso Sabino has expressed confidence that the senate will give the green light to land-based casinos in the first half of 2025.

At the commencement of the senate session, Hugo Motta received the appointment as president of the chamber of deputies, following the endorsement from the former officeholder, Arthur Lira, known for his advocacy in gambling.

Girão, a prominent opponent of land-based gambling in Brazil, has been defeated.
The gambling industry has secured another win, particularly with Alcolumbre’s re-election and the individual he overcame for the position.

Senator Eduardo Girão, a longstanding critic of gambling in Brazil, garnered only four votes, including one from his own ballot.

In a speech prior to the vote, Girão expressed his disapproval of Alcolumbre, whom he referred to as the “candidate of continuity” because of his support for pro-gambling policies.

“The candidate representing the status quo supports casinos and bingo,” Girão stated. “Isn’t the gambling he backed sufficient, and didn’t I caution at that time that it would lead to a humanitarian social disaster?”

“How can you maintain your integrity and face your fellow citizens while exacerbating this tragedy with gambling establishments and games of chance, which has already proven to be a misconception?” This initiative is designed to serve the interests of wealthy individuals.