As one of the people present at yesterday’s CCJ meeting, what is your assessment of the debate in the committee and the outcome in order to continue the discussions on the legalization of the activity in the country?
I understand that it was a very great defeat for tourism that the CCJ did not approve this matter which, in my view, would greatly strengthen national tourism, generate jobs, income, development, taxes. But, it was defeated in the Senate Constitution and Justice Commission being well argued for opposition to the proposal.
What happened, in my opinion, was a setback because Brazil is the only country that does not have legalized gaming, except Islamic countries, and the mentality of the politicians, at least of the majority in the Senate is different from my political position. I think Brazil has lost a lot.
And what is your message to the people who support and expect the legalization of the activity in the country? What expectations can they have?
I say that I am in favor of legalizing gaming here in the Chamber of Deputies and I will try to approve the matter in plenary. Let's continue the work, let's not give up. The fight continues and we will continue on this path.
And what are your expectations for the progress of PL 442/91 that also deals with the legalization in the Chamber of Deputies? Will yesterday's result have any influence?
The House has the project for which the Commission for the Regulatory Framework for the Games was set up, the report has already been submitted for approval and now needs to be decided in the House Plenary. But now, in a virtual election season, where the mayor (Rodrigo Maia) will be running as a pre-candidate for the presidency of the republic, I think those more controversial issues will remain after the elections or maybe for the year next.
I think the project should not walk in the Chamber and with this defeat in CCJ will get even more difficult. The proposal will face a difficulty to be set and consequently to be discussed and voted on. And if you can vote and pass the House, you will have to pass the Senate as well. And I think the defeat in the Senate will slow the progress here in the Chamber of Deputies.
You mentioned the possibility of the bill in the House for next year. In 2019, we can have a congress different from the current one after the elections. Is it possible to make some projection for a debate with a new congress?
I think the day that Brazil has a representative, a government official, who has a state policy focused on tourism, then yes we can move forward with the activity. Because tourism in Brazil is treated as a very insignificant matter. I understand that tourism is a factor of economic development, sustainable, that generates employment, income and I will continue with this same thesis that I have always had, but, unfortunately, some Brazilians are not prepared for the advance in all aspects; not only in the legalization of casinos and gaming. Unfortunately we missed a lot because we did not give tourism the importance it deserved. And one of the factors of tourism development is the legalization of gaming that attracts tourists, attracts wealth, generates jobs in travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, events, moves the entire economy and would be a great advance, but people don’t see a political environment. I was very optimistic until I witnessed the debate and vote in the Senate Constitution and Justice Committee.
Source: GMB Exclusive
