Delaying the inevitable denies Brazil the chance to move forward—and this comes at a cost the country can no longer afford.
The withdrawal of the Casino Bill from the Senate's agenda this Tuesday (8) was a setback that must be taken seriously. A decision that postpones concrete solutions, negatively impacts job creation, discourages investment, and keeps Brazil stuck in an outdated model.
I deeply regret this setback, but we remain steadfast in the fight. Hope remains, and the conviction is even stronger: Brazil must face this debate with courage and responsibility.
I was in Brasília that very day, meeting with several senators, including Irajá, the bill's rapporteur, Rogério Carvalho, and Laércio Oliveira—leaders attentive to this transformative agenda. What we saw there was clarity, willingness, and a sense of urgency. An unequivocal commitment to regulating gaming as a tool for economic and social development.
Even with differing—and never conflicting—views, there was complete convergence on the essential: this is a strategic step to unlock investment, generate millions of jobs, strengthen tourism, and increase revenue without increasing taxes.
Removing the agenda does not end the debate—it merely reinforces the need to continue fighting with even greater determination. Brazil can no longer live under the cloak of inaction, while billions of reais flow through informality.
The time has come to choose between backwardness and progress. Between fear and responsibility.
Regulating gaming is no longer an option—it is an urgent necessity. And we will move forward, with firmness and commitment, until Brazil finally says yes to the future we so richly deserve.
Hazenclever Lopes Cançado
LOTERJ President
