Senadora Soraya acredita que CPI das Bets deve ficar para depois do segundo turno
Senadora Soraya Thronicke do Podemos-MS. (Imagem: Redes Sociais / Divulgação)

Recently, the president of the National Congress, senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), gave approval for the creation of a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) aimed at investigating the world of online betting, popularly known as “bets”.

The request for the formation of this group was presented by senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS). However, the CPI should only begin its activities after the second round of municipal elections, scheduled for the end of this month.

Senator Soraya Thronicke wants to be CPI rapporteur

In an interview with Metrópoles, senator Soraya Thronicke highlighted her intentions for the CPI, running for rapporteur and mentioning possible names for the presidency and vice-presidency, such as:

  • Senator Dr. Hiran (PP-RR)
  • Senator Eduardo Gomes (PL-TO)

“This CPI deals with illegal bets, those that are based outside of Brazil and are now taking place inside, but are not yet permitted”, emphasized Soraya.

She highlighted the need to investigate issues such as currency evasion and money laundering, in addition to the possible involvement of organized crime and celebrities in this practice, which could lead to embezzlement.

Thus, the new commission intends to work together with several bodies, including the Ministries of Finance and Sports, the Federal Revenue and the Federal Police. “We will have a social nature, not just an investigative one”, highlighted Senator Soraya.

But concern for the mental and physical health of bettors is a crucial point of the investigation. In his words, “there are a lot of people gambling and getting involved with loan sharks, receiving death threats, people making attempts on their own lives”.

So, with the formalization of the CPI, the next stage involves the nomination of the senators who will make up the group by party leaders.

The commission will be made up of eleven full members and seven substitutes, with a duration of 130 days and an expense ceiling of R$110,000. With regard to composition, the bloc composed of PSB, PT and PSD will have four main seats and two substitutes.

MDB and União will divide three starters and two substitutes. Both PL and Novo may nominate two members and one substitute. Finally, the Independência (PDT, PSDB and Podemos) and Aliança (PP and Republicans) blocs will be able to nominate one incumbent and one substitute each.

CPI objectives

Thus, the main objective of the CPI is to investigate the growing influence of online betting on the budget of Brazilian families. Furthermore, the CPI wants to know:

  • If there is an association with criminal organizations involved in money laundering practices
  • Use of digital influencers in the promotion and dissemination of these activities.

The scenario brings to light a necessary debate about the legality and ethics surrounding online betting and how it can influence the population’s daily lives. Remembering that the sector is already going through the regulatory process, scheduled to be completed on January 1, 2025.

Therefore, only companies that have submitted a licensing request to the Ministry of Finance can operate until the end of the year. Currently, the national positive list has 96 companies and 210 betting sites, while the state list includes 18 companies.