Brazilians seem to relish the idea of gambling whether in casinos or bingo parlors. But the Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro is against gambling. For now, he wins out as these games are illegal. But he sees that opposition eroding.
Bolsonaro has suggested the legislature legalize gaming in the country. He’ll veto the bill with the full knowledge that the National Congress will overturn the veto.
“My position is clear. I don’t think we are yet mature enough to deal with this issue. But if I veto and the parliament overturns the veto, we will comply with the law,” Bolsonaro said.
“The legalization of the gaming sector is not just an agenda, it is an agenda that also dialogues with the resumption of jobs, an increase in revenue. There may be resistance, but it is possible that it will move forward,” said DEM leader Efraim Filho.
Defended by the president of the Chamber, Arthur Lira, the proposal was approved in December and may be scheduled as early as February. The bill, however, has opposition from the evangelical bench, which led President Jair Bolsonaro to promise religious leaders that he would veto it.
Federal Deputy Herculano Passos said in an interview with Poder360, that there will be 650,000 new jobs and R$20 billion (US$3.6 billion) in annual revenue. Today, Brazil has 13.7 million unemployed and a projected fiscal deficit of R$ 100 billion (US$ 18 billion) in 2021.
Evangelical leaders argue that a veto by Bolsonaro would allow more time for religious groups to voice their concerns in Congress, according to Games Magazine Brasil.
But Passos downplays his arguments. “I’ve already debated with evangelical leaders, and I respect their opinion. But I don’t understand why they are against it. They say it increases the addiction, but the person who is addicted gambles clandestinely,” he said.
“Bolsonaro will veto. First, we’re going to approve it in the Chamber, then in the Senate. If we approve, we will overturn the veto,” Passos said.
“If legalized, it will bring the jobs we need, taxes for the federal, state and municipal governments and will encourage tourism.”
Behind the casinos come the integrated resorts. That’s the model, Passos said. “It brings world conventions, people from all over the world who enjoy leisure come with their families. And these places have musical and sporting events, concerts, in addition to generating local commerce opportunities. This brings wealth.”
This legalization of games includes casinos, bingo and Jogo do bicho. In the case of bingo, only in cities above 250,000 inhabitants. In the case of the Jogo do bicho, it can be anywhere. And the casino is one per state in an integrated resort or for every 15 million inhabitants. Only four states have more: Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo. The first three may have two casinos. Sao Paulo, which has more than 25 million, may have up to three.
Alexandre Sampaio, president of the FBHA (Brazilian Accommodation and Food Federation) and of the CNC (National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism) Tourism Council, said casinos and games of chance should boost foreign investment in addition to increasing the number of tourists in Brazil.
The executive emphasizes that legalization should boost foreign investment in the country, in addition to increasing the number of tourists staying in Brazil. “This is another public profile that can be developed with tourism packages linked to other niches, such as adventure,” Sampaio said
Former governor and evangelical leader Anthony Garotinho favors the opening of casinos in Brazil. He said that the country could collect at least R$29 billion (US$5.07 billion) a year with taxes.
