Debates on the legalization of gambling in Brazil reached one of the most important television networks in the world, CNN. The final result was fantastic in view of the massive approval of the legalization of games, except for the participation of an evangelical.
"Two sides"
In the program “Dois Lados” (Two Sides), CNN promoted a meeting between federal deputies Felipe Carreras, rapporteur of the Regulatory Framework for Gaming, which culminated in the approval of Bill 442/91 by the Federal Chamber, and Marco Feliciano, evangelical pastor opposing the practice.
For all the knowledge acquired during the reporting of the Bill, Felipe Carreras' arguments were more than convincing and enlightening. He even recalled that one should not talk about gambling, but betting games. “Only Brazil and Indonesia, in the G20, do not have legal gaming. It gets to be folkloric, as one of the biggest sponsors of football see sports betting companies,” he recalled.
For him, Brazil stops generating investments and signed portfolios for not legalizing the activity. He cited the richest and most modern countries in the world as examples where gambling is legal. “Brazil needs to stop this hypocrisy. There are big investors wanting to make billionaire investments in the country,” he pointed out.
Feliciano said that he fights against the activity and again made speculations that legalized gambling would promote “white collar crimes, money laundering and corruption of public agents.” He still said that Brazil does not have the capacity or resources to supervise the activity.
Presenter Basília Rodrigues highlighted the importance of regulation, “since gaming is operating underground. It exists and what is wrong needs to be fought.”
Carreras said that the approval of a legal framework was essential and that he heard from the Federal Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office to finalize his report. “It is the most modern project in the world and provides for the prohibition of illegal practices. With a regulatory and inspection agency, with clear laws and punishment, as well as treatment for gambling addicts, it is possible to guarantee an adequate economic activity for the whole of society.”
“The Great Debate”
The program “O Grande Debate” (The Great Debate) was unanimous regarding the legalization of gambling in Brazil. Luciana Barreto welcomed Vinícius Poit, former deputy and CNN commentator, and Roberto Tardelli, former MP-SP prosecutor, as well as Alexis Fonteye, former deputy, and CNN commentator Gabriela Araújo, via online.
Reinforcing what he always said in plenary in the Chamber of Deputies, Vinícius Poit was incisive in saying that he is in favor of legalization. “The government should regulate gambling. The casino attracts tourists, conventions and job creation. In Brazil, we receive 5 to 6 million tourists and in the Eiffel Tower alone, 9 million. In Las Vegas casinos, only 20% of revenue comes from gambling. The other 80% come from congresses and conventions and other tourist activities attracting almost 40 million people a year.”
Roberto Tardelli, former prosecutor of the MP-SP, also defended the legalization of the sector. “In Brazil, we have options for all tastes and not even in a lottery house will they say that you are playing a lot. The regulation of the activity is necessary and vital. There is no reason, whether of a moral or ethical nature, not to approve the sector,” he made it clear.
Former federal deputy Alexis Fonteye was incisive in declaring that he is aligned with the debaters who preceded him. “The best fairs in the world take place in Las Vegas and the strength of that desert is impressive.”
He stated that the important thing to consider – and that is in the project under discussion – is not opening a casino anywhere. For Alexis, everything has to be considered and the choice must be technical and that the activity guarantees regional attractiveness.
CNN commentator Gabriela Araújo reinforced the position of all those present saying that gaming is clandestine. “You go to a bingo that doesn't pay taxes and we still have the illegal jogo do bicho. With the regulation of all modalities, we can convert these practices into good things for the country,” she concluded.
Source: GMB
