The resumption of the discussion on the regulation of gambling happened in December last year and could be voted on in the first half of 2020. The parliamentarians of Amazonas deliberate their support or reject to the Bill 186/2014 that provides for the exploitation; definitions, authorizations and destination of the resources collected from the games. In addition, the Bill defines administrative infractions and crimes due to the violation of the rules of the activity.
Pablo Oliva is one of the deputies in favor of the Bill 186/14, which provides for the release of games of chance in Brazil. The benefits of this measure, according to him, can favor the Amazon region in several ways.
“The benefits of allowing casinos are diverse; because it is a new economic engine model, capable of generating income for people directly and indirectly connected to gaming activities. Not only those who work in casinos or online gambling will benefit, as the hotel, tourism, as well as food and entertainment ventures will be positively impacted,” commented Oliva.
The collection of taxes for the State, without the need to create another contribution from the population, is another factor considered advantageous by the deputy. “Currently, gambling activities take place illegally, without inspection and payment of taxes. From this collection, these resources could be used in the most varied actions of the public power; such as health, education and public safety. All of this without creating any new tax, considering the period of scarcity of resources, we cannot burden the population even more,” pondered Oliva.
The deputy was incisive in stating that gambling companies will be responsible for fomenting the crime of 'money laundering'. “This is a myth; it is important to mention that any and all economic activity can be used for money laundering. For this reason, the mafias incorporated crime billing into laundries to make the source of this illegal money ‘clean’,” explains Oliva.
“The United States being the largest capitalist nation in the world, as well as hundreds of other countries, have regulated gambling using numerous control and inspection mechanisms to punish any deviations. In Brazil, the situation is not good; we have the ‘jogo do bico’, illegal casinos and other out of law gambling. If this activity is not regulated and controlled by the State, then it will be a source of criminality,”, justifies Oliva on the success of the regulation of games of chance around the world.
Addiction to gambling
“(Gambling) is a social activity and really needs extra attention from the government, as well as the sale of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. Addictions can occur in all human activity, for this reason, the State's inspection and regulation must prevent society from getting out of control”, added Oliva.
Bench position
Alberto Neto has already positively positioned himself in favor of the activity, but approves the measure with reservations. “I am not a fan of casinos or any other type of gambling, but I will always defend the generation of jobs and income in the State. If the activity is legalized, gambling in Brazil and the Amazon will create conditions to become models for the world. The progress that the people will enjoy is undeniable, tourism would be increased, and services would boost trade, thus creating a new economic cycle. We have the potential to reach a 'standard' Las Vegas,” said Neto.
About convincing the ‘Evangelical Bench’, one of the strongest opponents of the project in the Chamber, and represented in Amazonas by deputy Silas Câmara (Republicans), Oliva says that there is no general consensus on the measure. “There is no unanimity in any proposal that is going through Congress. Let's go to the dialogue, with the arguments and take the matter to society. The best for the people must be applied, always,” he concludes.
Source: GMB / Em Tempo - Carol Givone
