Dozens of tables spread across the room, with a bar and large sound structure and screens with the results. The activity can be legally offered because it is supported by Law 13.019 of 2014, as “charity bingo”, which allows entities to use draws to raise funds. Organizers say it is a “temporary” activity, but bingo has been around for almost two years now, benefiting an NGO from São Miguel Paulista.
As the game keeps gathering audience, bingo owners say it is a way to support aid institutions, which are struggling after the economic stagnation. In this way, it can be seen on the walls the odd combination of side-by-side monitors showing the numbers that have already been called and team videos providing help and delivering groceries to families that depend on the revenue generated by the game.
At the front door, before noticing the bar counter or entering the lounge, a crammed box with nonperishable groceries is the first thing to be seen. Once in the hall, it is possible to buy a simple card for R$ 2 (US$ 0.50). Prizes of R$ 1,000 (US$ 250) are paid for bingo in conventional rounds. In other bingo halls there are even bigger rewards and also raffles of home appliances, donated to bingo to collect groceries.
Not only can bingo become legal in a short time, but like any kind of games of canche. Today, two projects are underway: Bill 442/91, which tries to legalize the jogo do bicho, and Bill 186/14, which has permissions to explore the legalized and regulated gaming.
According to Magno José, president of the Brazilian Legal Gaming Institute, it is possible that the projects will be put to a plenary vote in late September, in celebration of “Tourism Day”, on 27/09.
For him, the possibility of money laundering involving gambling is an “urban myth,” and that there are other better options for criminals. "This is expensive and risky," he says, projecting at least 26% taxation on physical games on any regulation and winning limits that should identify winners.
Source: GMB / Istoé
