“Gaming exists in Brazil, under everyone's eyes, and it does not pay a single real in taxes. The sector sponsors from the Brazilian national team to the most humble club, there are 800,000 bingo machines working in the country,” comments the president of the Chamber.
The Bill provides for the legalization of bingos, casinos, slot machines, horse racing and even jogo do bicho. Its process has been going through the corridors since 1991. In December, the urgency request was approved, with 293 favorable votes.
“We are not inventing what does not exist, the idea is to regulate it so that it leaves resources in Brazil and generates jobs,” added Lira.
The arguments of the president of the Chamber are of economic bias. “We all know that this exists, but does it need to continue underground, without generating formal jobs in Brazil? Without paying more than 20 billion reais in taxes to the Brazilian people?”, defended Lira.
The Bill's rapporteur, deputy Felipe Carreras, said that gaming is a monopoly of the government and that in 18 G20 countries the activity is legal. He also points out that most football teams in Brazil are already sponsored by foreign betting sites. And thousands of jobs would be created.
The lobbying for the legalization of gaming has lasted for decades and found in Arthur Lira an ideal defender. He heads the House, knows how to negotiate and speak the language of the legislature. But he is not used to unnecessary wear and tear. The project only goes to the plenary if Lira has its approval assured.
Source: GMB
