What is the position of presidential candidates on the legalization of gambling in Brazil

The project that provides for the legalization of gambling in Brazil was approved in the Chamber of Deputies in February. Now, the agenda is moving through the Senate. The text would allow the operation of casinos, bingos, animal games, slot machines, among other modalities in the country.

According to the bill (PL), casinos will need to be integrated into resorts in places with tourist appeal and respecting a limit per state. While bingos could work again in places intended for this operation.

It is worth remembering that a decree-law by then President Eurico Gaspar Dutra banned gambling in Brazil in 1946, closing dozens of casinos across the country and ending the employment of thousands of Brazilians.

Currently, the debate on the legalization of gambling is very much in vogue and CNN asked the pre-candidates for the presidency what they think about this very relevant subject that could generate new resources for the public coffers.

Responses from pre-candidates on the legalization of gambling in Brazil:

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Jair Bolsonaro (PL):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Ciro Gomes (PDT):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Simone Tebet (MDB):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Pablo Marçal (Pros):

“When we talk about gambling, there will always be passionate positions for and against. Gambling has been banned since 1946, when President Dutra, after reading a journalistic article that classified casinos as “factories of addiction and crime”, made the headlines of a major newspaper. In the mid-1990s, we had new partial regulation with the Zico Law, revoked in 2004 by President Lula, after a corruption and extortion scandal involving his government against businessmen in the gambling industry.

In both cases, we have the almost dictatorial position of the Chief Executive against an economic activity without promoting the desirable discussion of the matter with parliament and society in general. Although games have the addictive potential to negatively impact a portion of the population, it is undeniable that, under the control of regulatory agencies, they can become an activity that generates jobs, taxes and promotes tourism and growth for certain regions.

As there are points in favor and against the practice — in addition to the fact that we already have regulated activities in this area, such as lotteries —, not to mention the wide activity of virtual casinos that attracts crowds of players without generating a single cent of taxes for the country, I understand that we need to of a broad discussion with society on the subject. We have 75% of countries in the world that regulate this activity and can serve as a basis for the creation of a Brazilian model that is capable of generating wealth for the nation and not squandering it”.

Felipe d’Avila (Novo):

“Our government plan speaks of federalism and freedom for states to make decisions. So, I believe we should be inspired by the United States and respect the federalist position on these issues: states and municipalities should have the autonomy to decide whether or not to authorize gambling.

The legalization of gambling has social and economic consequences. If a city or state is prepared to handle this, why not? It is silly to think that the whole of Brazil needs to follow the same rule on all subjects. Diversity is an asset of the country”.

José Maria Eymael (DC):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Leonardo Pericles (UP):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Sofia Manzano (PCB):

The candidate did not respond at the time of publication.

Vera Lúcia (PSTU):

“We believe that it is correct to legalize gambling in Brazil, as this measure avoids the phenomenon of the mafias of clandestine gambling”.