The meeting responds to a request by Senator Eduardo Girão, who opposes legal gambling in Brazil and the Bill 2.234/2022, which authorizes the operation of casinos, bingo halls, "jogo do bicho," and horse race betting in the country.
In his request, Senator Girão reiterated the usual arguments that legalization would lead to an increase in crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, and prostitution.
The disinformation—or prejudice—is so pronounced that the senator also questions the character of tourists who might come to Brazil attracted by gambling.
"There is a vast possibility that gambling will attract a type of disqualified tourism that Brazil does not need, seeking the advantages of a nation still poor like ours, such as prostitution, especially child prostitution [...] Gambling raises numerous concerns that lead us to believe there is an urgent need for a broader debate with society," said the senator.
This parliamentarian, along with other senators, recently advocated in Plenary for more public hearings on the topic in other committees.
Bill 2.234/2022, already approved in the House of Representatives as part of the Bill 442/91, will be voted on only by the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) before going to the Plenary.
The public hearing is expected to be scheduled in the coming days, as Bill 2.234/2022 could be put on the agenda at the CCJ meeting on June 5. Given that legislators in favor of illegal gambling are expected to request more time for consideration, the debate is likely to extend for several more weeks.
Source: GMB / Agência Senado
