On Tuesday (16), the OAB / RJ Tourism Committee held an event that discussed the regulation of gambling, a theme that still encounters several obstacles in Brazilian society. Organized in the Sectional, the meeting was supported by Brazil’s Legal Gaming Institute and the Federation of Conventions & Visitors Bureau of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FCVB / RJ).
The gaming issue was analyzed from the perspective of the impact on tourism. In that sense, commission president Hamilton Vasconcellos stressed that the regulation is likely to generate an important source of income for the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is in a serious economic situation. Currently, two projects aimed at legalization take place in the Chamber of Deputies (PL 442/91) and in the Federal Senate (PLS 186/2014).
The president of FCVB / RJ, Marco Navega, evaluated that the national State is the most harmed by the delay of the decision. In the sequence, retired judge José Augusto defended that "it is time to end this hypocrisy, because the prohibition does not prevent gaming from happening in the country."
After the initial speeches, the invited speakers followed up on the discussions. The president of Brazil’s Legal Gaming Institute, Magnho José, gave an assertive exposition, in which there was no lack of data and statistical analysis: "It is inconceivable that an activity that moves about R$ 19 billion (US$ 4.9bn) per year in the country does not have a counterpart to the State and society for lack of regulation." According to estimates, the sector has the potential to represent 1% of the national GDP.
In addition, he warned of the consequences of not treating the matter properly, such as the control of slot machines by the militia in Rio de Janeiro. The lecture of lawyer Witoldo Hendich Júnior, specialist in gaming regulation, complemented the reflections through a plurality of examples.
"The speech that says that gaming is something bad for the country is devoid of science and technical arguments," criticized Hendrich. He also opposed the bill that provides for regulation only for casinos-resorts, as it is part of an specific lobby and wastes great potential to leverage Brazil’s economy and the number of job positions.
Source: GMB / OABRJ
