The Senate‘s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) is about to vote on a bill (PL) that has the potential to transform the gaming scenario in Brazil. The text in question authorizes the operation of casinos and bingos, legalizes jogo do bicho and allows betting on horse races.
This agenda is the second item in a list of 18 topics that will be discussed at the CCJ meeting, scheduled for Wednesday (5) at 10 am.
The PL has already passed through the Chamber of Deputies at the beginning of 2022 and is now under analysis in the Senate. If approved, it will pave the way for the installation of casinos in tourist centers and leisure complexes.
These establishments may include high-end hotels, with at least 100 rooms, as well as restaurants, bars and spaces for cultural events.
Only São Paulo will be able to receive three casinos, while Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará will be able to have up to two each. The other states, only one casino each.
Financial transactions in casinos, Jogo do Bicho and bingo
The project’s rapporteur at the CCJ is senator Irajá (PSD-TO). In his opinion, he defends the approval of the text, with just one editorial amendment: replacing all mentions of the “Ministry of Economy” with the term “Ministry of Finance”.
According to Irajá, the main benefit of the PL is to regularize an economic activity that already occurs outside the law, bringing it under State control. This would help reduce possible links between gambling and organized crime.
Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicate that the gaming and betting market (legal or illegal) generated R$50 billion in 2014.
Specifically regarding the modalities covered by the text, Jogo do Bicho generated around R$3 billion, casinos contributed R$3 billion, bingos with R$2.35 billion and horse racing with R$300 million.
Opposition
However, senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) presented a separate vote, in which he positioned himself against the project. He argues that the legalization of gaming in Brazil will bring social costs far greater than the benefits.
Furthermore, Girão warns of the risk of crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion. As well as the negative impact on public health due to addiction associated with gambling.
The final decision will be made by the Senate plenary, if the project is approved by the CCJ.
