Brazil’s National Congress is edging closer to passing a bill that would legalize casino gaming in the country.
The Congress recently resumed work—although virtually—and both Senate and House are working on Bill 442/91. They are expecting to hear from Deputy Felipe Carreras on the bill, which would legalize all forms of gaming. Carreras is the bill’s rapporteur, the deputy appointed by the Congress to report on the bill’s progress.
There is some opposition led by evangelicals in the Congress, who want to postpone action until face-to-face meetings return. Deputy Arthur Lira, a strong supporter of the bill, said recently, “[T]he legalization of gaming in Brazil has been a long-debated issue. And it has to be done with a lot of debate. Those who defend legalization will say the reason, those who are against it will express their vision. We will have the opportunity to find out who wants that gaming to remain illegal in Brazil as it is today.”
Lira added, “Everyone knows that there is a casino, that there is bingo, there are slot machines, virtual bets, which are charged to the credit card and paid abroad, jogo do bicho. But does it have to continue in hiding to continue without generating formal jobs in Brazil? Without paying, more or less, R$20 billion to R$25 billion in taxes for the Brazilian people? This debate will take place here.”
Supporters say they are confident of a quick vote on the proposal this month. Carreras declared, “There is a commitment made by several leaders that we vote as soon as the recess is over.”
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has promised to veto the bill, but also predicted his veto would be overridden.
