Are you for or against the opening of casinos in Brazil?
How would you justify your decision? Based on what information?
Have you bet on Lotofácil, Federal Lottery, Lotomania, Quina, Dupla Sena, Mega-Sena, Timemania or Dia de Sorte? Well, they are official games under the responsibility of CAIXA. Are they considered games of chance?
Decree-Law No. 9 215, of April 30, 1946, signed by President Eurico Gaspar Dutra, which banned casinos and gambling in Brazil, has the following considerations:
– Considering that the repression of games of chance is an imperative of the universal conscience;
– Considering that the penal legislation of all educated peoples contains precepts for this purpose;
– Considering that the moral, legal and religious tradition of the Brazilian people is contrary to the practice and exploitation of games of chance;
– Considering that the open exceptions to the general law resulted in abuses harmful to morals and good customs.
Could it be that after more than 70 years, Brazilian society still thinks like that?
What about turf (a sport that promotes and encourages horse racing)? Aren’t its bets a game of chance? Strange that it wasn't banned, isn't it?
Before the 1946 Decree, there were many jobs, shows and glamor in the majestic rooms of Cassino da Urca and Quitandinha Palace, in Petrópolis. Prejudices were another one of which many no longer exist.
There are casinos in many countries around the world, including here in Latin America, which generate jobs, income and taxes and are considered important for the economy and for social policies.
In Brazil, they are covering the sun with a sieve because the internet allows for bets of all kinds and all over the world that generate jobs and taxes in other countries.
Do you think that rich Brazilians, when they want to play, don't go abroad to place their bets? Of course they will. And worse, they do this with dollars, leaving other countries richer than Brazil.
Bill No. 4,495, authored by Senator Irajá, which provides for the expansion of tourism in the country through the implementation of integrated resorts throughout the national territory, is being processed in the Federal Senate. It disciplines the implantation of tourism complexes with operation of casinos, through a concession with the Union. It is a fantastic opportunity for the country.
Breaking paradigms, beliefs and resistances is not easy, but it is necessary for Brazilian politicians to pay attention to the economic and pandemic crises that Brazil has been enduring. The approval of this Bill meets what the country and its population need, which are jobs, income and investments.
This story that casinos go against what religious institutions preach no longer fits in the 21st century. Every Brazilian must have the freedom to choose what to do with their money, whether playing, drinking, saving or investing.
If there is good inspection and if there is no corruption in the sector, the tax revenues of the Union, states and municipalities will be increased considerably. The tourism sector will benefit greatly. The real estate market will be encouraged to invest. Sponsorships in sports and multimedia platforms will be much greater and attracting investments from abroad will be a unique opportunity for the country's growth.
It is time to leave unfounded prejudices aside and think about a modern, dynamic country with fair and humane social policies. We must not believe that backward thinking and full of obscurantism further delay economic growth in Brazil.
Casinos NOW!
TADEU ZERBINI
Economist, specialist in Public Management, professor and consultant
