The president of the Senate stated that there are no obstacles to proceed with the voting on the proposal to legalize casinos, bingos, and Jogo do Bicho. He added that the establishment of the CPI of Betting will be key to move forward in this regard.
Brazil.- The president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, affirmed that there is no impediment to vote on the Bill 2.234/2022, which legalizes casinos, bingos, and Jogo do Bicho in Brazil. However, he added that the measure can only proceed if, at the same time, steps are taken to strengthen the regulation of the betting sector, including the establishment of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) on Betting.
In the midst of a turbulent week due to the meeting of the G20 parliamentary presidents at the National Congress, Rodrigo Pacheco found time for a quick press conference. There, he stated that the CPI on Betting has not lost strength in the Senate and that it will be important to clarify facts involving possible irregularities in the activity, as this will also help advance the bill to regulate gambling.
The CPI was proposed by Senator Soraya Thronicke and, according to Pacheco, "it needs to be installed and start functioning. I believe it is a good measure to seek clarification and propose measures for limitation, containment, and better discipline in relation to betting," he said.
The creation of this Senate body was scheduled for last October 25, however, the parliamentary meeting to advance the procedure was postponed. The reason for the postponement was the absence in Brasilia of Senator Otto Alencar who, as the oldest member of the panel, would preside over the commission's installation meeting. At the moment, a new date for the establishment of the Senate-dependent body has not been set.
The CPI must investigate foreign betting companies operating in Brazil, possible cases of currency evasion, money laundering, and involvement of organized crime. Celebrities and digital influencers who promote irregular platforms will also be investigated.
Among the famous personalities who will be questioned by the CPI are: Gusttavo Lima, Deolane Bezerra, Tirullipa, Whindersson Nunes, and Gkay. In addition, the commission will summon representatives from major online betting houses, such as Blaze Betting and Casinos, Super Bet, and Vai de Bet, as well as companies like Non Stop (artist career management agency) and Loterj. An invitation will also be extended to hear from the president of the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Discussions on the sponsorship contracts between betting houses and Brazilian football clubs are also planned, focusing on the origin and destination of the money, but without delving into the issue of result manipulation, which is the subject of another CPI currently underway in the Senate, chaired by Jorge Kajuru and with Romário as the rapporteur.
The CPI on Betting is expected to last 130 days. It should be interrupted from December to January due to the parliamentary recess and will resume its activities in February.
See also: Uncertainty in Brazil as the vote on Bill 2.234 remains in suspense
Regarding Bill 2.234, which legalizes casinos, bingos, and Jogo do Bicho in Brazil, Rodrigo Pacheco affirmed that there is no impediment for it to pass to the Plenary. The president of the Senate merely added that the measure can only advance if, at the same time, measures that strengthen the regulation of the betting sector are advanced.
