This Thursday (8), the Senate debates a crucial bill that aims to regulate the operation of casinos in Brazil and other betting games. Known as the Gambling Bill, the project deals with the installation of casinos in the country and returns to the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) to analyze the amendments presented in plenary. The debate session is scheduled to start at 10am.
Taxes on activities
Authored by former federal deputy Renato Vianna (MDB-SC), the proposal establishes the creation of two taxes. States, Federal District, municipalities and the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion (Embratur) will share the collection of these taxes. In addition, revenue will also be allocated to sports and culture funds.
Although lotteries remain under special legislation, supporters of the PL, such as rapporteur Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), point out the economic benefits associated with legalization. For example, they highlight the increase in tax collection and the attraction of foreign tourists.
However, critics, such as senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE), warn of the risks involved. Among the risks, they mention gaming addiction and the potential increase in crimes such as money laundering and exploitation of prostitution.
Restrictions and specific areas for casinos in Brazil
The Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, expressed support for the vote on the Betting Games PL, highlighting that the government works with the expectation of having an integrated resort per state. These resorts would be complexes that offer, in addition to accommodation, casinos and other recreational activities.
Sabino highlighted that the approval of the project will not allow the proliferation of games in any location.
“The approval of this project will not allow anyone to enter any bodega and start gambling. Only within that place [integrated resort] and within a specific area of that location will it be possible to have roulette games, card games , dice game…”, explained the minister.
Proceedings in Congress
In summary, the Chamber of Deputies approved the Gambling Bill in the first half of 2022. Now, the Senate will analyze the proposal, which the House’s CCJ already approved in June. Under discussion in Congress for more than 30 years, the project includes, in addition to the legalization of casinos in high-end resorts and hotels, the regularization of gambling and betting on horse races outside racetracks.
