Legislation
Senators criticise Brazil’s project on gambling and demand more debate
By James - 20 May 2024
Lawmakers have clashed over the future of Brazil’s landbased gambling expansion bill PL 2,234/2022. In a motion, Senator Eliziane Gama requested that the bill should be considered by the Committees on Economic Affairs (CAE); Social Affairs (CAS); and Public Safety (CSP) and not just the Senate’s Constitution Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ).
In defending her motion, Eliziane expressed concern over the aggravation of gambling addiction. She cited statistics from the United States which she said illustrated the negative impact of casinos on public safety and mental health.
Senator Zenaide Maia declared her opposition to the legalization of gambling stating that the tax revenue from gambling establishments would not offset the losses of families.
“If you want to destroy a young person’s life, give them an addiction,” she said.
According to the Brazilian Senate News Agency, Senator Damares Alves also joined the call for a deeper debate so that the senators elected in 2022 could express their position on the issue in the committees. Senator Leila Barros emphasized the seriousness of the issue, which, according to her, would compromise the mental health of the population. Meanwhile Senator Cleitinho appealed to the CCJ to be conscientious and also declared his opposition to the bill. Carlos Viana predicted that casinos would generate “cursed money” that would not balance the public accounts.
Senator Eduardo Girão also expressed his opposition to the bill. The senator emphasized his indignation at the fact that lawmakers were discussing the legalization of gambling at a time of public emergency in Rio Grande do Sul, due to the intense rains that have been affecting the state. Girão believes that the return of bingo halls and casinos represents a “tragedy” for the country, as they are linked to money laundering, corruption, and financial losses for families.
The hearing on PL 2,234/2022 took place earlier this month in the CCJ. The bill authorizes the operation of casinos and bingo halls and legalizes the “jogo do bicho” (an illegal street lottery).
