The legalization of gambling was approved by the Brazil Agenda Commission.
The Special Commission for National Development (CEDN) concluded on December 16, in a supplementary round, a favorable vote on Senate Bill (PLS) 186/2014, which regulates the operation of gambling. The proposal authorizes the operation of casinos and bingo halls in the country, in addition to legalizing electronic games and the jogo do bicho (a type of lottery).
The approved text was the substitute proposed by the rapporteur, Senator Blairo Maggi (PR-MT). The bill, which is part of the Agenda Brasil, received a final decision and therefore must proceed to analysis in the Chamber of Deputies, unless there is an appeal—endorsed by at least nine senators—for the final decision to be made in plenary session. The deadline for appeal is February 10th.
Bill 186/2014 defines the types of games that can be operated, the criteria for authorization, and the rules for prize distribution and tax collection. It also establishes that a maximum of ten bingo halls will be licensed per municipality. The casinos will operate within tourist complexes built specifically for this purpose, along with hotels and restaurants.
According to the author of the bill, Senator Ciro Nogueira (PP-PI), it is inconsistent to give preferential treatment to the jogo do bicho (illegal lottery) while simultaneously allowing and regulating the existing federal lottery modalities. He claims that illegal gambling in the country generates more than R$ 18 billion annually.
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Ciro further argues that Brazil loses around R$ 15 billion annually due to the lack of regulation of gambling. According to the senator, the project contributes to the creation of thousands of jobs and can also strengthen regional development policy through tourism. It's the kind of project where, he believes, both the government and society benefit.
The bill has the support of the rapporteur, Senator Blairo Maggi, for whom "the initiative to regulate gambling in Brazil is desirable." Blairo admits that the activity has been carried out, albeit illegally. According to the rapporteur, the illegality ends up triggering another perverse effect on society, since the resources obtained from gambling are used to corrupt public officials.
Blairo says that, with the regulation, it is hoped to end existing corruption and, at the same time, lead to a significant increase in public revenue.
