The motion was defeated by 36 votes to 28, sending the bill back to the regular legislative process with no clear timeline for a final vote.

The bill, which previously cleared the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee, seeks to legalize land-based casinos, bingo halls, and horse race betting. The rejected urgency request was intended to accelerate deliberations, but its failure has further blurred the legalization timetable.

Supporters argue that regulated casinos could generate around 20 billion Brazilian reais (approximately US$3.6 billion) in tax revenue and provide long-term fiscal benefits to local governments. Opponents, however, warn of potential social risks, particularly impacts on lower-income communities.

Debate over land-based casinos in Brazil has stretched on for more than three decades. While surveys suggest around 60% of Brazilian adults support legalization and online gambling regulation has already been implemented this year, land-based casinos remain politically contentious.