Rapporteur presents new proposal for the Regulatory Framework for Gambling in Brazil.
A new proposal for the legalization of gambling in Brazil was presented this Wednesday (10) to the special committee of the Chamber of Deputies that analyzes the matter.
The rapporteur, Deputy Guilherme Mussi (PP-SP), accepted some of the suggestions presented to the previous text, such as the legalization of online games, provided they have federal, state, or municipal authorization.
The congressman highlights the main games that the bill aims to authorize in Brazil: "The jogo do bicho (illegal lottery), which is already active in Brazil and is currently an illegal activity, aims to legalize this activity, thus generating jobs, formal employment, and revenue for municipalities, states, and the federal government. It also aims to reinstate bingo activities, with various restrictions, prerequisites, and criteria, and most importantly, to allow the entry of large international casino groups, such as large integrated resorts, which would bring more investment to the country."
This point, which authorizes casinos only in hotels that need to have a minimum number of rooms, for example, is one of the items where there are still disagreements. Another point that is not yet consensual is the total legalization of gaming machines.
Another change from the previous text is the provision that "obstructing or hindering by any means the work of the supervisory body" will also be a crime, "punishable by imprisonment from one to two years, and a fine."
Majority in favor
Representative Nelson Marquezelli (PTB-SP) said he will analyze the new report in more detail to decide whether or not to maintain his separate vote.
Congressman Luiz Carlos Hauly (PSDB-PR) is one of those who will vote against it, because he disagrees with the legalization of gambling in Brazil. "Other countries that have gambling, such as the United States, Canada, and European countries – all are very concerned about gambling addiction, called ludopathy. Ludopathy is as harmful to human beings as drug addiction and alcoholism."
But those who oppose the proposal are a minority on the committee – Representative Ricardo Tripoli (PSDB-SP) estimates that there will be only three votes against it out of the 26 members of the special committee.
Collection
Congresswoman Renata Abreu (PTN-SP) made some suggestions for improving the bill. And she has already stated that she will vote in favor: "Gambling is an alternative to raising taxes – which I am against – and creating limitations will only perpetuate the hypocrisy that exists in Brazil today, because these limitations will continue to exist. So I think it needs to be legalized, regulated, and controlled, including regarding the issue of addicts."
About Me
With the changes presented in this latest version of the report, the chairman of the special committee, Representative Elmar Nascimento (DEM-BA), believes it will be possible to vote on the proposal in the committee in the coming weeks.
"Projects regarding the legalization of gambling in Brazil have been under consideration here for decades without making any progress. We've been in the special committee for ten months, more than 22 meetings have been held, public hearings, with various authorities. Our attempt is to build a consensus. I think it has reached 99% of the committee, except for those who are effectively against gambling," Nascimento highlighted.
17 Proposals
The Special Committee on the Regulatory Framework for Gambling in Brazil is analyzing 17 draft laws (PL 442/91 and 16 related bills) – four of which have been under consideration in the Chamber of Deputies for 25 years. Simultaneously, another proposal on the same subject is being evaluated by the Senate.
The responsibility for having the final say on the text, which will then be submitted to the President of the Republic to become law, will fall to the House that approves it first. ( Agência Câmara Notícias – Ginny Morais – Photo: Alex Ferreira)
