According to Arthur Lira, “I have always stood up for myself and it is not new, we are not afraid to face aversions, as long as we are convinced that it is the right thing to do. We are not going to make a value judgment. These are games that already exist in Brazil and take place as a misdemeanor or unofficial every day, as well as online gaming that sponsor football teams and media. The jogo do bicho has been around for many years and also bingos, which have existed. The big news is the casinos in resorts, with all the necessary compliances.”
According to the presidente of the Chamber, the agenda should move during the week. For him, “Brazilians play online with their credit card and the tax is paid in the United Kingdom or Germany, for example.” This, according to Lira, is pure demagoguery.
He admits that there are adjustments being made, even though the discussion finished at the end of the year. “In the vote, amendments or highlights can be made. What is good is that we improve legislation so that it can be implemented [the gaming sector]. The activity can generate tourism in a geometric projection for Brazil, jobs and taxes, which is not the case with clandestine business.”
Lira said again that he continues to defend face-to-face meetings, but this issue will not be fundamental for the discussion of Bill 442/91. “There is no difference between virtual and in-person meetings. Everything can be done one way or another, which will not change the outcome of the vote,” he commented.
He also said that the vote is still scheduled. “I don't know if it's a game of chance or luck, but the project that regulates the gaming is scheduled for this Wednesday (23),” he concluded.
Bill 442/91 is the second item on the Agenda of the extraordinary (virtual) deliberative session today (Wednesday, 23), which starts at 1:55 pm.
Source: GMB
