The rapporteur for the Bets CPI, created to investigate the online betting and gaming market, is senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS). She stated that one of the commission’s priorities is to hear the testimony of the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Soraya presented requests to summon the executive, but the committee never approved them. Furthermore, she stated: “I think he can collaborate a lot, since a bookmaker currently sponsors the Brasileirão.”
Bets CPI requests and calls
The senator presented a request to summon the president of the CBF on November 14 of this year. On the 19th, the committee considered and rejected the request. On the same day, she filed a new request, this time in the form of an invitation, which the commission has not yet considered.
Thronicke expressed his frustration and, in an enigmatic tone, commented that something strange happens whenever he tries to summon the CBF president.
“I’m summoning Ednaldo and they (the senators) are taking it away. Could it be that I’m the problem?”, he asked. Once the request has been approved by the members of the commission, it is up to the president of the CPI, senator Dr. Hiran (PP-RR), to schedule the date for the hearing.
Statistics and audiences
This week, the collegiate rapporteur met with representatives of the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban). At the meeting, she received information and data about the profile of virtual gamblers in Brazil, which indicate that the majority are over 60 years old.
“These are shocking and astronomical numbers that send a very strong warning signal. We want to take these statistics to be analyzed by the CPI”, highlighted Soraya.
Finally, the senator highlighted that the commission should dedicate the next sessions to hearing testimonies from victims of scams on online platforms. The commission plans to collect reports in private hearings, ensuring a safe environment for victims to share their experiences.
Bets CPI may be closed early
However, the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, tends to act to end the work ahead of schedule. Although Pacheco does not have the regulatory authority to dissolve a CPI, he can facilitate agreements to undermine the commission, such as encouraging members not to attend sessions.
This scenario reflects a similar situation to last year; a movement closed the Sports Betting CPI in the Chamber of Deputies. Originally, the commission would operate until November, but it ended two months earlier and did not vote on the final opinion of the rapporteur, deputy Felipe Carreras (PSB-PE).