Next Thursday (8), from 10 am to 12 pm, the Senate Plenary will host a session of thematic debates on Bill 2234/2022. The debates will serve to analyze the release and exploitation of casino games, bingo, Jogo do Bicho and horse betting throughout the national territory.
Casino addiction is a concern
The legalization of gaming is a topic that has generated heated discussions in Brazil. Critics of the project argue that legalization could open the door to crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion.
Furthermore, they point to the lack of effective technological tools to monitor financial transactions in a sector with high values involved.
Prestigious institutions, such as the Federal Police, the Federal Revenue, COAF and the Attorney General’s Office, have expressed concerns about the ability to adequately monitor casinos.
But another point of debate is gaming addiction, known as Ludopathy, which has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pathology since 1992.
On the other hand, supporters of the legalization of these games highlight the significant growth in tourism, public revenue and the creation of thousands of new direct and indirect jobs.
Guests to the session
The session will be attended by several experts and authorities, including:
- Vilson Antônio Romero: Representative of the National Association of Tax Auditors of Federal Revenue of Brazil (Anfip).
- Ricardo Gazel: Economist.
- Dr. Hermano Tavares: Psychiatrist and coordinator of the Pathological Gambling Outpatient Program (PRO-AMJO).
- Dr. Mirella Martins de Castro Mariani: Master Psychologist and assistant at the Department of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine at USP.
- Dr. Juan David Tovar Velasquez: Doctor and master from USP.
- Dr. Ana Yaemi Hayashiuchi: Specialist in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Impulse Disorders.
- Leonardo Teixeira: Clinical Psychologist.
- André Rolim: Businessman.
- Marcos Avelino: Federal Police Agent.
- Denise Frossard: Former judge and former deputy.
- Carlos Alberto Vilhena: Member of the Federal Public Ministry.
- Peterson de Paula Pereira: Member of the Federal Public Ministry.
- Isalino Antônio Giacomet Junior: Federal Police Delegate.
- José Augusto Vagos: Member of the Federal Public Ministry.
In June, the Senate Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) already approved the proposal. So, the perspective is that Rodrigo Pacheco, president of the Senate, will forward the final vote in the Plenary of the House in August.
President Lula has already stated that, if the proposal is approved by Congress, he will sanction it.
