The request for the creation of the CPI, by Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), was endorsed by 30 other senators and read in the Plenary on October 8. The minimum number of signatures required to create a CPI is 27 senators. The number of members of the commission will be 11 full members and 7 alternates.
The CPI will have 130 days to conclude its work, with an expense limit of R$110,000 (US$19,000). According to the request, the CPI will also investigate the possible association of online betting companies “with criminal organizations involved in money laundering practices, as well as the use of digital influencers to promote and publicize these activities.”
The intention, according to Soraya Thronicke, is to analyze the practice of currency evasion and money laundering, in addition to the influence of Brazilian personalities in the operation of betting programs.
The suspicion is that the software is programmed to cause harm to bettors and always guarantee an exaggerated profit margin for the companies. After reading the request in the plenary, the senator also highlighted the fact that addiction to online games is silent, unlike addiction to alcohol or illicit drugs.
Match-fixing
The CPI das Bets is the second to investigate this type of company in the Senate. The Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Game Match-fixing and Sports Betting, set up in April, has had its term extended until February 2025.
The committee, chaired by Senator Jorge Kajuru, has Senator Romário as its rapporteur. The objective is to investigate acts related to allegations and suspicions of match-fixing in Brazilian football, involving players, directors and betting companies.
Source: Agência Senado
