Regulation of sports betting: evangelical wing takes a stand against the measure
Regulation of sports betting: evangelical wing takes a stand against the measure

The evangelical parliamentary wing in Congress is planning to block consideration of the proposed sports betting regulation. The Ministry of Finance is currently preparing a provisional measure that proposes the legalization of this type of game related to competitions organized by confederations, leagues and federations. Meanwhile, Senate leaders are intent on bringing forward discussion on this matter.

According to deputy Eli Borges (PL-TO), who is president of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front (FPE), the bench maintains a firm position against any form of legalization of betting. The deputy states categorically: “I can assure you that the FPE is totally against gambling and betting”.

The parliamentarian justifies this stance based on the view that gaming addiction and its impacts on families are fundamental reasons for the group to oppose regulation.

Deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ), vice-president of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front (FPE), is another leader who opposes projects related to gambling. He expresses his position by stating: “We are against gambling and any legalization of gambling, therefore we are against regulation”.

About the regulation of sports betting

The text being prepared by the government proposes that bookmakers be subject to a rate of 16% on the so-called “gross gaming revenue”, which corresponds to the revenue obtained from all bets placed, deducting the prizes paid to bettors.

The proposal in question brings changes to parts of a law sanctioned by former President Michel Temer (MDB) in 2018, which established regulations for the operation of bookmakers in the country. In particular, the points that defined the purposes for which the companies’ collection would be destined.

According to the text proposed by the Lula government, 10% of the amount collected by these companies will be reserved for social security. In addition, the measure will establish that 1% of this revenue is allocated to the Ministry of Sport.

None of these percentages is foreseen in the law sanctioned by Temer. The current text stipulates that 0.82% of the collection of bookmakers be directed to public schools; that 2.55% be allocated to the National Public Security Fund; and that 1.63% is under the responsibility of sports entities that grant the rights to use brands.