The request for a collective view granted by Davi Alcolumbre prevented the discussion and vote on Bill 2,234/2022, but this week, unless a senator manages to maneuver to postpone it again, the item must be approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee. As there are behind-the-scenes actions so that the matter is not considered, the surprise may come at the opening of the meeting on Wednesday (12).
Amid pressure from the evangelical bench, Davi Alcolumbre has already postponed the discussion three times. Even so, the president of the Commission has already declared that he wants to vote on the Bill before the parliamentary recess, which begins on July 15th. “I consider it an important, worthy project and I am in favor of it,” he declared, who behind the scenes has supported the advancement of the matter despite the maneuvers of evangelicals.
In addition to him, the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, is also in favor of legalizing gambling in Brazil. Senator Irajá also supports the matter and already voted in advance when he read the report.
Senator Irajá estimates that the gambling market in Brazil will generate at least R$15 billion (US$ 2,8bn) in 2023, a value that, according to him, could exceed R$30 billion (US$ 5,60bn) per year. Citing statistics on the legal or illegal betting market, Irajá concludes that “gambling already constitutes a relevant economic activity.”
In his report, Irajá dismissed as an “indeterminate legal concept” the offense against morals and good customs, used as an argument against gambling, and highlighted that the project seeks to transfer to State control a practice that today constitutes a misdemeanor.
Meanwhile, the position of the evangelical base is being ignored, which continues to present mistaken opinions against gambling, as being subject to money laundering, association with crime and other problems.
According to the proposal, already approved by the Chamber of Deputies under Bill 442/91, in addition to the legalization of casinos in tourist centers or in integrated leisure, bingo and gambling complexes, gaming houses may also operate on maritime vessels. and rivers, which will follow specific rules. The casino must demonstrate a minimum paid-up share capital of at least R$100 million (US$ 18,600m) and may be accredited for 30 years.
The proposal also establishes rules for the game of bingo in card and electronic formats, and allows in each state the accreditation of one legal entity for every 700 thousand inhabitants to operate the game.
In this case, the authorizations will be valid for 25 years, renewable for the same period. Horse racing may be operated by turf entities (linked to turf) accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, which may also operate, at the same time, bingo and video bingo games.
Source: GMB
