“Mato Grosso is one of the biggest tourist potentials in Brazil. We have beauty that few states have, we have a trade that is increasingly beginning to train itself, to prepare itself to receive visitors not only from within the state, but also from outside,” Machado commented.
"So, I think that everything that enhances a segment in which this State is thriving, strong and legitimate, is worth evaluating with great care,” he added.
The project seeks to regulate casino games, bingo, jogo do bicho, turf [horse racing] and online betting. By law, Mato Grosso may have two casinos, 143 bingo halls and five points sale for jogo do bicho.
The project divides opinion. While some see the matter as a way, for example, to promote tourism as well as ensure the generation of jobs and billions of reais in revenue, others fear problems in the face of the risk of increased money laundering practices and overloading the Single System of Health (SUS) for leading the population to addiction.
“I need to dig a little deeper, but I don't think we need to have the old opinion formed about everything. We have to sit down, study the pros and cons and make a decision,” said the secretary.
The project
According to the project, the activities must be regulated and supervised by the Ministry of Economy, which, for this, may sign agreements with federal, state or municipal bodies.
According to the text, the payment of bets in banknotes or coins is prohibited. The project prevents people who have convictions for administrative improbity, tax evasion, malfeasance, corruption, embezzlement or any criminal offense that prevents access to public office from entering the activity.
Source: MidiaNews
