GMB - Your intention in requesting a public hearing about gaming legalization is to better understand the post and cons. What possible advantages do you see in the socioeconomic issue of the country?
Dep. Leonardo Monteiro - As chairman of the Participatory Legislation Commission (CLP), we have been striving to strengthen civil society debate and participation in the Brazilian Parliament. The discussions about a regulatory framework for gaming in Brazil, through the PL 442/91, is something old in the country, including the object of the Joint Parliamentary Front, coordinated by Congressman Bacelar. With this public hearing we want to give voice to the various sectors related to the activity in Brazil, as well as other movements, which expose their views and opposing and positive aspects to the legalization of gaming.
Countries where gaming is legalized have strong measures of control and prevention of possible illegal acts. What proposals are there for Brazil to also become an example on the subject?
Brazil is experiencing a delicate political moment, where the population is alert and vigilant to reduce the most diverse misdemeanors. The Brazilian Parliament, in line with the moment, has been debating various initiatives and bills involving both the fight against corruption as well as money laundering and organized crime. However, in addition to strengthening our legislation, we also need to strengthen oversight in Brazil and enforcement.
After the public hearing, which approaches do you believe will be raised?
I think the Brazilian state has an important role in ensuring the welfare of the population. There are, of course, social, health, religious and even financial aspects of gambling addiction in a country in crisis that need to be taken into account. On the other hand, the revenue aspect and economic chain linked to the activity, as well as reducing misdemeanors, also need to be assessed. This is our goal, the purpose of this public hearing: to listen to civil society, to raise this debate around a project already underway at the House. We have no way of assessing the impact an audience will have on shaping public opinion. It is a process of debate that is being built with the population, movements linked to the theme and the Parliament.
Why do you consider this debate is so important?
The CLP has a very important role in bringing society closer to Parliament. Throughout this year we have been able to greatly increase the participation of civil society in the debates here at the House, under the most varied themes. Thus, as well as the debate about the legalization of gaming in Brazil, the main topics that involve the national scenario and impact both the economy and the social, gained openness here in the Commission. Dialogue and debate are always the best way for projects to be dealt with within Parliament with the certainty that all aspects of the subject have been thoroughly debated and evaluated. This is the democratic game that we need so much to advance, whether or not we approve a particular project.
What is your position regarding the legalization of casinos in Brazil? What about the rest of gambling activities?
As a parliamentary I am, together with our advisory, studying on the subject and seeking all the data and information around the approval of a regulatory framework for gaming in Brazil. We know of the illegal side that still exists in the sector, and all the misdemeanors arising from this process. We also evaluated the entire social, religious, economic and public security issue inherent in the topic. Of course, taxes and investments from the passing of legislation increase the economy. We have no doubt about that. Therefore, for so many positive and contrary aspects, we need this wide debate so that we do not make hasty judgments; we listen to all the points to vote fairly here in the process of the project in the House.
Source: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil
