Deputies from the working group responsible for analyzing the first Tax Reform regulation project in the Chamber of Deputies are evaluating the inclusion of online betting games, known as “bets“, within the scope of the Selective Tax (IS).
Deputies will assess whether online betting fits the tax
The Constitutional Amendment created the new Selective Tax. It presents a higher rate of charge on products considered harmful to health and the environment, such as:
- Alcohol
- Soft drinks
- Cigarettes
- Combustion-powered vehicles
The proposal in progress establishes precisely the rules for charging IS, determining which products and services will be subject to the extra fee.
Therefore, the inclusion of online betting in the Selective Tax is seen by some parliamentarians as a necessary measure. The justification is that many consider that online betting can have negative impacts on individuals’ mental health.
Federal deputy Joaquim Passarinho (PL-PA), supporter of the measure, argues that debts generated by online betting are becoming a problem in the country. He questions the justice of taxing soft drinks and not taxing online betting.
According to the deputy, games are even worse, as they facilitate the creation of debt quickly and easily.
But, on the other hand, there are those who fear that the creation of yet another tax on online betting could encourage the search for illegal gambling. In fact, this is the opinion of Congressman Reginaldo Lopes (PT-MG), who expressed this concern, highlighting the need to analyze the possible impacts of the measure.
In other words, the discussion about the inclusion of online betting in the Selective Tax is still ongoing and raises important questions about the regulation and taxation of this market.
Therefore, while some deputies see the measure as a way of taxing online betting to reduce the standard rate of other taxes, others believe that without the tax betting would continue anyway, encouraging illegality.
