The deputies in favor of legalizing gambling (PL 442/91) highlighted that betting currently takes place illegally, but those against it highlighted the fear of addiction and money laundering in casinos. The basic text of the project was approved in the Plenary of the Chamber, but it can still be changed through highlights.
For deputy Herculano Passos (MDB-SP), the tourism sector has to gain from the legalization of games. “An integrated resort casino will provide the world conventions that will bring foreign tourists. In these casinos, for sure, there will be commerce, shopping centers, musical events, sporting events. This will attract a huge tourism chain generating development”, he said.
Deputy Julio Lopes (PP-RJ) highlighted that casinos also encourage cultural life. “Everyone must have read how the cultural life of Brazil in the 1930s was alive with casinos,” he said. He also pointed out that the country has the technology to control gambling.
For deputy Patrus Ananias (PT-MG), however, the proposal could transform Brazil into a big casino and leave it “open to crime and corruption”. “We are well aware that casinos are not spaces of virtue and values that we want to preserve,” he said. He is afraid that the establishments will be used for money laundering.
The PT and the Evangelical Parliamentary Front obstructed the proposal. Front coordinator, Deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante (UNIÃO-RJ) stated that the legalization of games will impact the lives of the poorest. “It is the poorest and the retired who are the first to develop compulsion and addiction to gambling that, if they were good, would be called gambling,” he said.
In defense of the project
The criticisms were countered by deputy Giovani Cherini (PL-RS). “Is it the Jogo do Bicho that will bring organized crime? Is organized crime no longer in Brazil? Is banditry no longer in Brazil? And here there is no game! Brazil is one of the few countries in the world that does not have an official game”, he declared.
The Red deputy (PSD-PR) considered that the games are already a reality in the country. “We cannot deny that the games exist and do not contribute, do not collect and do not legalize those who work in irregular activity”, he said. For him, the Federal Police and the Federal Revenue have the capacity to inspect the new establishments.
For deputy Adolfo Viana (PSDB-BA), it’s about reaping the rewards of bets that are already being made. “We are not discussing whether or not we want to have games, but whether we want to have regulated games or games in an informal way.”
Tax payment
Deputy Renildo Calheiros (PCdoB-PE) stressed that the animal game and other modalities were never extinct in the country and, therefore, will now pay taxes. “What’s the problem with legalizing yourself? That’s how you fight crime, that’s how you fight corruption,” he declared. He stated, however, that the party will fight for higher taxes for establishments than those foreseen in the text.
For deputy João Campos (Republicans-GO), however, saying that the games are a reality is “a simplistic argument”. “Abortion exists, but that doesn’t mean it should be legalized,” he criticized.
He said that the proposal is not on the Brazilian’s agenda and should not be dealt with urgently. “What society is waiting for from Parliament is tax reform to do tax justice, it’s the question of fuel prices,” he said.
sports betting
The 1st vice-president of the Chamber, deputy Marcelo Ramos (PL-AM), stated that he intends to include sports betting in the regulation. The issue is under analysis by the Executive, which must regulate it by decree. Ramos said the proposal should cover all stakes.
The project being voted on in the Chamber legalizes casinos, bingos, video bingos, online gambling and Jogo do Bicho through concessions and licenses.
