A native of Serra Branca, in the Cariri region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, Ernildo has already demonstrated political influence by helping to elect his own brother as mayor of the city. According to Fabiano Gomes, the businessman is already negotiating behind the scenes and, although he has not yet revealed the name of the pre-candidate with whom he intends to ally himself, his presence on the majority ticket is practically assured.
Currently based in Campina Grande, Ernildo Júnior has become one of the most powerful figures in the betting industry in the country. He is the main sponsor of Flamengo football club, with a contract worth around R$95 million (US$ 17.5m) per year, in addition to supporting several clubs and sports throughout the country.
Ernildo's political movement comes amid the growing prominence of betting houses in the economy and behind the scenes of power. Fabiano himself commented that, given the increasingly strong lobby of the so-called “Bets” in Brasília, it is not surprising that businessmen in the sector seek direct representation in the National Congress.
“In the same way that there are the bullet, agribusiness and evangelical caucuses, it is only a matter of time before we also have the betting caucus,” he assessed.
Source: Blog do Jordan Bezerra
