Rodrigo Pacheco, president of the Senate, read in Plenary last Tuesday (8) the request for the creation of a CPI to investigate “the growing influence of virtual online betting games on the budget of Brazilian families”.
The request (RQS 680/2024) was presented by senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS) and supported by 30 other senators. The application for the creation of a CPI requires at least 27 signatures.
The commission, which has 130 days to complete its investigation, will have 11 full members and seven substitutes. CPI expenses are limited to R$110 thousand.
The request establishes that the commission will also investigate possible links between online betting companies and criminal organizations involved in money laundering. Additionally, it will examine the use of digital influencers in promoting these activities.
Soraya highlighted that the CPI aims to analyze currency evasion and money laundering practices, as well as the influence of Brazilian personalities on the operation of betting programs.
The senator raised suspicions that the software is programmed to harm bettors, thus guaranteeing excessive profits for companies.
Soraya also highlighted the fact that online gaming addiction is a silent addiction, unlike addiction to alcohol or illicit drugs.
“There is no point in closing our eyes to this problem. It’s a fact. It is one of the main reasons for attacks on life and separations”, declared the senator, who also asked that the parties and blocs immediately nominate the members of the CPI.
Support the creation of the Online Betting CPI
Senator Dr. Hiran (PP-RR) expressed his support for the creation of the CPI. He highlighted that even the Central Bank faces difficulties in monitoring bet transactions.
According to the parliamentarian, companies, supposedly based in tax havens, carry out operations with cryptocurrencies, complicating their tracking.
“I think that, to protect Brazilians and for this House to provide a response to society, [the CPI] is fundamental,” said Dr Hiran.
The government leader in Congress, Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP), praised Soraya Thronicke‘s proposal. He sees online betting as an economic, social and public health challenge for families.
Randolfe sees the CPI as a response from the Senate to society and suggests a debate on betting advertising, having himself presented a project on the subject (PL 3.563/2024).
Jorge Seif (PL-SC) praised Omar Aziz (PSD-AM) for asking the Central Bank for data on spending by Bolsa Família beneficiaries on online games.
Seif stated that this initiative raised awareness about the risks of digital betting addiction, especially for the less privileged classes.
Damares Alves (Republicanos-DF), Otto Alencar (PSD-BA), Rodrigo Cunha (Podemos-AL) and Astronauta Marcos Pontes (PL-SP) also expressed support for the creation of the CPI.
