The Economic Development Committee of the Chamber of Deputies is expected to vote in the coming days on the summons of the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, to clarify the grace period given to sports betting and online gaming companies, during which they can operate without paying taxes. The request was made by federal deputy Bia Kicis.
In her justification, the deputy states that “given the demonstration within the scope of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), for the exploration of lottery modalities by agents/companies that grant these companies a grace period to continue operating in Brazil without paying fees, taxes and/or tributes to the municipal, state and federal coffers, it is necessary for the Economic Development Committee to approve a request to summon the minister to provide clarifications on the matter.”
“It is shocking to learn that the online betting sector, which generates an estimated turnover of R$150 billion per year, has been granted a period of free operation, to the obvious detriment of the most vulnerable communities in Brazilian society, which benefit from a significant portion of the revenue collected by the Union and States from the operation of games and lotteries,” continues the deputy.
“At this time, with the forecast of a shocking GDP deficit in the federal government’s accounts, it is unbelievable that the Ministry of Finance and the Union would waive revenue in favor of a group of businessmen, which should be better explained by the minister,” explains Bia Kicis.
“It is essential that the minister explain to this Parliament the transparency and fairness of this carte blanche to a significant sector of our economy to operate for free, in flagrant disrespect for Brazilian taxpayers, society and the Fiscal Responsibility Law, approved by the National Congress and in force in Brazil,” concludes the deputy when asking for approval of the request.
Source: GMB
