The discussion surrounding the bill (PL) to regulate gambling, such as casinos, bingo and Jogo do Bicho in Brazil has been the subject of intense debate. This happens both among senators from the government base and from the opposition.
The majority of Centrão leaders support the issue, but senators from the evangelical bench strongly resist the proposal. Therefore, this Wednesday (05), the proposal should be on the agenda once again at the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ).
Therefore, the expectation is that parliamentarians will request a review, enabling a more detailed analysis of the proposal.
PL on casinos in Brazil has been at a standstill for more than a year
In any case, the president of the CCJ, senator Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), expressed his desire for the proposal to be voted on before the parliamentary recess, which will be on July 15th.
“This matter has been here for over a year. Therefore, it is essential that it be assessed before the recess,” Alcolumbre told Valor.
But, despite pressure from the evangelical bench, Alcolumbre has already withdrawn the text from the agenda on two occasions, citing the absence of the rapporteur, senator Irajá (PSD-TO).
Davi Alcolumbre does not rule out the possibility of appointing a new parliamentarian to report on the project, if Senator Irajá is not present at the next collegiate meeting on the topic.
Both Alcolumbre and the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), are in favor of the proposal. Alcolumbre considers the project important and worthy, supporting its progress behind the scenes.
On the other hand, senator Marcos Rogério (PL-RO) recognizes Alcolumbre’s favorable position on the project, but praises the conduct of work at the CCJ. “David committed to voting, but he is not running over the process,” he stated.
Parliamentarians in favor of the project highlight its fundraising potential. According to Senator Irajá’s opinion, the gaming market generated at least R$15 billion in 2023, and could exceed R$30 billion annually.
Government base is divided
Despite this argument, the government leader in the Senate, Jaques Wagner (PT-BA), recognizes that the issue divides the government base. “We still don’t have a definitive position from the government. Those who are in charge of the Treasury will say that the regulation will generate revenue”, he pointed out.
The Ministry of Finance is closely following the discussion, but so far has not issued an official position.
For opposition senator Dr. Hiran (PP-RO), the regulation of casinos in the country can generate significant jobs and should prioritize developing areas. He argues that in places like Las Vegas, casinos contribute more to the entertainment sector than to gambling itself.
The Evangelical Parliamentary Front leads the movement to block the progress of the proposal, counting on the support of parliamentarians from the government base, such as Eliziane Gama (PSD-MA) and Zenaide Maia (PSD-RN). Recently, government senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE) changed his position, making it clear that the debate is far from over.