July 4, 2024, Brazilian Senator Iraja · Irajá Abreu met with Finance Minister Fernando Haddad to discuss a bill proposing to legalize casinos and related gambling activities in Brazil.
Irajah Abreu asked Minister Haddad to support the 2. Bill 234/22, which authorizes operators to open casinos, bingo games and “jogo do bicho” (animal games). During the meeting, the bill received the support of ministers from the Constitution and Justice Committee. Haddad said: "Almost every country in the world has already regulated it. If everything is done correctly, this bill can create jobs and income in Brazil. We just made some wording suggestions to improve the text, which will Help standardize this issue domestically.”
Irajah said as he left the Ministry of Finance: "Minister, It is impossible that the whole world is wrong and only Brazil is right. These countries that have legalized and regulated gambling have got rid of illegal gambling and underground gambling. They have created a new business environment for the country, created jobs, and increased revenue. , and doubled the number of tourists,” he emphasized: “We are talking about creating about 1.5 million new jobs.”
Irajah showed Haddad technical research. It shows that it can generate nearly 2.2 billion reais (about 39.1 million U.S. dollars) in new tax revenue every year. "I think the minister believes this will be a good project for the country and for the Brazilian people," he said.
In addition, Haddad also received information from Irajah about International empirical data on gambling legalization. The senator said gambling is already allowed in all OECD countries.
Irajah summed it up in a post on his Instagram account: “Today I am pleased to visit our Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, to present to him the legalization of gambling, betting and integrated resorts as a strategic project that will bring jobs, revenue to our economy and boost the Brazilian tourism industry Development. I am personally here to thank the Minister for his support and to obtain a formal statement of support from the Treasury."
On the other hand, Haddad also added via social media: "Senator, thank you for your visit and it's a pleasure to welcome you. Especially since you have brought a team of bright and talented people. In fact, more than 90% of countries have regulated gambling. As long as it is well managed, well regulated and has Government involvement in oversight, with citizen protection in mind, creates jobs and revenue for our country.”
Haddad concluded: "I would like to congratulate them that we proposed A number of improvements have been suggested and they are drafting amendments to improve the text, which would go a long way in regulating gambling in Brazil and promoting business expansion within strict rules to protect society.”
Regarding the vote on the bill in the Senate plenary session, Irajah said : “The bill is ripe for a vote in the plenary session and it is necessary for us to approve this project of strategic importance to the economy. This is not an ideological agenda but an economic and social agenda, one that creates jobs, income and tax revenue, and will invest in projects in fundamental areas.”
