The discussion about the regularization of gambling gained new momentum after the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) approved the report on the bill that legalizes various types of gambling, including casinos, bingos and jogo do bicho. The proposal, which has already passed the Chamber of Deputies, has been paralyzed in the Federal Senate since 2022.
National reality of gambling
Mendes criticized the hypocrisy surrounding the issue, emphasizing that the animal game has been happening from north to south and from east to west in Brazil for decades, under the passive gaze of successive governments.
“Jogo do bicho has been happening from North to South, from East to West for decades in this country, in the face and beard of all the governments that have passed by. The best thing, then, is to legalize this business,” stated the governor.
Although he does not know the details of the bill being processed in Congress, Mendes declared that he will analyze the text before issuing a definitive opinion. However, he highlighted that the practice already occurs widely in the country and that legalization would be the best solution.
Casinos and tourism
The governor also mentioned that many Brazilians travel to neighboring countries where casinos are allowed, such as Argentina and Uruguay, to participate in these activities. “Or they leave the country to go play in casinos in Argentina, Uruguay… What we experience in this country is a good hypocrisy”, criticized Mendes.
During the text's processing in the Chamber, Mato Grosso politicians in favor of the project argued that regulating gambling could significantly boost the economy, especially in the tourism sector.
The proposal foresees three casinos in São Paulo, two in Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará and one in each state of the federation. Installation in tourist hubs or integrated leisure complexes would be permitted, such as high-end hotels with at least 100 rooms, as well as restaurants, bars and places for cultural events.
Source: JBNews
