Photo: Disclosure
Photo: Disclosure
Gambling by law: As with alcohol, regulation may contain possible harmful effects of betting
By 14 votes to 12, the Senate Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) approved a bill that authorizes the operation of casinos, Jogo do Bicho and other forms of betting. All that is needed is Plenary approval and presidential sanction for the text to come into force.
As the score indicates, there is considerable opposition to the project, and it brings together everyone from Bolsonarists and PT members to voices from civil society.
There are two anti-gambling arguments: health (more betting opportunities increase the prevalence of compulsive behaviors) and public safety (the association between gambling and criminal activities, such as tax evasion and drug trafficking).
Both problems are real, but taking them as justification for maintaining the ban on the practice seems more like an expression of moralistic inclinations than a realistic assessment of the scenario.
In the liberal society model in which we live, it is primarily up to citizens to deal with their vulnerabilities. Nobody thinks about criminalizing the sale of beer because of alcoholism.
Similar reasoning applies to crime. Churches lend themselves to money laundering even better than casinos, but there is no question of closing temples or eliminating their tax immunity. Bringing into legality activities that currently operate on its margins, such as Jogo do Bicho, makes the work of good police officers easier, as it eliminates a source of corruption.
The answer to mitigating the perverse effects of gambling addiction lies in regulation. Betting must be restricted to adults of legal age; advertisements need to be limited and perhaps even banned, which was also done with cigarette advertisements.
Furthermore, it is necessary to guarantee dependents access to psychiatric treatment and harm reduction — such as the platform user’s self-exclusion tool. Gambling should be highly taxed, as is the case with tobacco and alcohol.
Information campaigns can also help raise awareness among those interested in gaming. If, even knowing that the chances of winning money are negligible, the citizen decides to bet, it is their right.
Source: Folha
