The unions that would gather gaming workers are looking forward and working to pass a law that’d allow the growth of the number of affiliates with genuine jobs in the market. This is the case of the Professional Association of Employees of Amusement Venues in Sao Paulo (SINDIVERSÕES). Its president, Elisson Zapparoli, in an exclusive conversation with GMB, gave solid data on the current situation.
SINDIVERSÕES represents the workers that provide services in entertainment companies, show venues, amusement parks (indoor, aquatic and thematic), bingos halls and companies that provide different services to the industry, among others.
GMB - In your opinion, what is the real possibility that Brazil will legalyze gambling activity? Elisson Zapparoli - Despite the difficulties, the possibility is good. The mobilization in the House and Senate is constant and the adhesion of political sectors to the project grows every day.
How much money and sources of employment would
represent the legal gaming industry?
I believe we can
create around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the approval of legal
gaming. I believe that, with legalization, the gaming market reaches USD 16 to
USD 19 billion per year, generating close to USD 5,7 billion in taxes
How many jobs were lost when the bingos
were closed?
In the state capital alone, Sao Paulo, about 20,000 workers lost their jobs
when bingo was banned.
How big is today's illegal market in Brazil
today?
It is estimated
that the State fails to raise more than USD 120 billion in taxes. That is the
reason for the clandestine size.
Why is so important that Brazil opens its legal
gambling market?
Because it will
generate employment, it will generate taxes that, if the project guidelines that are discussed
in the House and Federal Senate are respected, will lead to more investments
for education and health, especially.
In your opinion, would legal gambling help the
government to have more tools to reverse the economic crisis?
It helps, but
that's not all. Brazil needs to define consistent policies that give guarantees
to those who want to invest and generate jobs, no matter in what areas.
How do you think the tax regime for the industry should be, once gaming is legalized?
We have to make it harder to avoid foreign exchange and tax evasion. A team with members of the Federal, State and Municipal Government. As it would be this organ, it is left for them to define.
Are the political complications of the current government with reports of corruption conspiring against the approval of the law?
Fonte: GMB
