The project regulates the manufacturing, import, marketing, development and commercial use of games, in addition to presenting measures to encourage the business environment and increase the supply of capital for investments in the sector.
The new framework defines electronic games as computer programs with graphic and audiovisual elements for entertainment purposes, in which the user can control the action and interact with the interface.
Bill 2,796/2021 also covers devices and accessories used to run games, popularly known as consoles, as well as cell phone applications and internet pages with games.
The bill explicitly excludes slot machines and similar games of chance from the definition. Also excluded from the project are so-called fantasy games, in which participants form imaginary or virtual teams of real players from a professional sport. This type of online gambling is already regulated by Law 14,790, of 2023, which deals with fixed-odds bets.
The text approved by the EC follows the opinion adopted by the Economic Affairs Commission (CAE), based on the substitute proposed last year by senator Irajá (PSD-TO). The project provides for special treatment for the promotion of games by individual entrepreneurs, business companies, cooperatives, simple societies and individual micro-entrepreneurs (MEI).
For the rapporteur of Bill 2,796/2021, game development should be encouraged in the areas of innovation, human resources development and culture.
“The proposed wording reflects a recognition of the importance of electronic games not only as commercial products, but also as significant contributions to culture, education and technological innovation,” said senator Leila Barros.
“This regulatory framework becomes essential. Its main objective is to encourage growth, create jobs, combat illicit activities and reduce the tax burden on production. The institution of this legal instrument will result in advantages for all citizens, and for governments in their three spheres, increasing revenue and providing visibility and legal security for the electronic games sector”, said the rapporteur.
The president of the EC, senator Flávio Arns (PSB-PR), praised the approval of the matter. He highlighted that the project specifically deals with electronic games, which should not be confused with other modalities, such as fixed odds betting.
“We are talking about electronic games and games, an important and necessary industry in the areas of education, culture and assistance. We are not talking about betting. Games are in healthcare, in videos, in audiovisual. They are present in all areas of society,” said Arns.
Source: Senate Agency
