The sports betting PM, a provisional measure that regulates and taxes the sector in Brazil, must be resisted by the evangelical bench in the Chamber of Deputies.
The measure is part of a collection package designed by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad.
In this case, bookmakers will have to pay an 18% rate, in addition to other obligations.
CNN Brasil interviewed two deputies from the bench, Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ) and Cezinha de Madureira (PSD-SP).
For Madureira, the sports betting MP is an “affront” to the evangelical faith and claims to be against any type of game.
He also complained that he was not previously informed about the measure.
While Sóstenes claimed that the Federal Government should fight gambling instead of taxing the activity.
For the PL-RJ deputy, the practice is harmful, especially for retirees and people from less economically favored classes.
Today, the evangelical bench has 130 deputies. However, the group is mobilizing and seeking the support of Catholic deputies and the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB).
However, the sports betting MP only needs a simple majority to be approved. And, several deputies understand the need to approve and regulate this market.
Parliamentarians believe that MP for sports betting can help unlock the Legal Framework for Gambling
Some favorable parliamentarians, especially from the Centrão block, believe that the regulation of sports betting can help to unlock the legalization of bingos, casinos and other types of games.
A bill, which provides for the release of these categories of games, was approved last year in the Chamber of Deputies.
The so-called ‘Legal Framework for the Gambling’ was sent to the Senate. But the text remains stagnant in the House.
According to the bill, casinos will be able to work together with an entertainment center that will need to have at least 100 high-end rooms, space for conventions and social events, restaurants, bars and shopping centers.
The casino environment may have 20% of the built area of the leisure center, and may offer electronic games, roulette, card games and other activities.
The state that counts a population above 25 million can receive up to three casinos.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), only São Paulo complies with this standard.
For states with populations between 15 million and 25 million, the limit will be two casinos. Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro fall within this measure.
In other cases, with a population of up to 15 million, there may only be one casino.
