So far, Pacheco has held the vote, which was met with resistance from opposition senators and parliamentarians linked to religious groups.
The proposal that authorizes the operation of bingos, casinos and Jogo do Bicho in Brazil was approved by the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) and is ready to go to the plenary.
The project's rapporteur, senator Irajá (PSD-TO), has been touring the Esplanada dos Ministérios to garner support for the proposal.
Irajá estimates that, over time, the release of gambling could generate revenue of R$22 billion (US$ 4.06bn).
In addition to President Lula, the Ministers of Finance and Tourism took the field to approve the project. The legal wing of the government views the PL with suspicion.
Technicians from the Ministry of Justice assess that the legalization of bicho and other similar games will facilitate the activities of organized crime, in addition to harming the poorest population due to the risk of addiction to this type of betting.
Source: CNN
