General committee discusses today proposal to legalize bingo and slot machines.

The substitute bill by Representative Regis de Oliveira to the project that legalizes bingo was approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee in September 2009.

The Chamber of Deputies will hold a general committee meeting today at 10:00 AM to discuss the proposal to legalize bingo, video bingo, and slot machines in the country. This proposal is part of a substitute bill by Deputy Regis de Oliveira (PSC-SP) to eight other draft laws (270/03, 1986/03, 2999/04, 3492/04, 2429/07, 2944/04, 3489/08, and 2254/07). Bingo games and slot machines have been banned in Brazil since 2004. Representatives from the Executive and Judicial branches, as well as bingo associations, will participate in the general committee meeting.

The substitute bill was approved last September by the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee and has not yet been voted on by the Plenary due to a lack of agreement among the leaders. The intention of the Speaker of the House, Michel Temer, is to put it to a vote tomorrow.

Regis de Oliveira's opinion stipulates that, after deducting prizes paid, bingo halls will have to pay the Federal Government, states, or the Federal District 17% of their revenue, with 15% going to the health system; 1% to investments in culture; and 1% to investments in sports. In addition to taxes, they will have to pay a monthly inspection fee of R$ 20.

The electronic programs used in establishments will have to be linked to tax control agencies to allow for real-time monitoring. In the case of video bingo and video games, 80% of the value of bets would be distributed as prizes. For bingo, this share will be 70%.

Only companies that can prove they are up-to-date with all tax obligations will be able to operate this type of business. The partners will have to present a series of documents, such as a certificate of no criminal record or denial.

Tourism – According to Regis de Oliveira, the measures outlined in the report will prevent bingo halls from being used for money laundering and will generate resources for the country: “In addition to solid oversight, there will be a distribution of resources to the public sector. Therefore, legalizing bingo does not mean endorsing any type of crime. On the contrary: we are providing effective conditions for all activities to be monitored. Brazil is considered a tourist country, so it is essential that we have gambling to encourage tourism,” argues the rapporteur.

Regis de Oliveira also highlights that the text foresees the creation of a national registry of gambling addicts, the so-called "ludopaths," who will be prohibited from entering bingo halls. Bingo halls that violate the rules may be fined up to R$ 500; have their equipment seized and their operations suspended or revoked. Those who maintain an establishment without authorization may face up to five years in prison and a fine. Those who allow the presence of minors under 18 years of age will be subject to two years in prison and a fine.

During the approval of the report in the CCJ (Committee on Constitution, Justice and Citizenship), Regis de Oliveira included public safety among the areas to be benefited by revenue collected from gambling. The congressman also maintained in his text the minimum distance of 500 meters between gambling establishments and schools, even though he had previously suggested that the distance be 100 meters. (Jornal da Câmara)