The idea of allowing casinos remains a sensitive topic in our society, but the Senate seemed open to considering the proposal. Yet, the move to legalize casinos, Jogo do Bicho, and other gambling activities significantly shifted the public sentiment surrounding the issue.
The conversation was so remarkable that spiritual authorities skillfully orchestrated, yet again, the postponement of the Senate Constitution and Justice Committee's (CCJ) voting session.
Religious mobilization against casinos
As the vote approached, multiple lawmakers' phones were inundated with a video message from pastor Silas Malafaia. He urged evangelical Christians to sway CCJ members, warning that "two-thirds of these senators will seek re-election in 2026" and threatening to expose anyone who supported the proposed legislation. The pastor's message aimed to influence the upcoming vote through political pressure and the threat of electoral consequences.
The Brazilian Catholic Bishops' Conference intervened, issuing a public statement to senators. The note cautioned about the ethical and societal dangers of gambling.
As the vote approached, Senator Eduardo Girão's team closely monitored the situation and determined they had enough backing to prevent the proposal from passing. Girão, a leading opposition figure, promptly withdrew his earlier request to delay the vote, emphasizing the importance of transparency in revealing each senator's stance on the matter.
Senators who had previously backed the release of the games, including Eduardo Braga (MDB-AM) and Rogério Carvalho (PT-SE), began requesting a delay in the decision. Lawmakers, like Carlos Viana (Podemos-MG), acknowledged that they would be on the losing side if they voted in support of the plan.
Impact of the Act on Brazil
The national government has debated this initiative for over three decades. Despite efforts to make progress, resistance from religious conservatives and their supporters has consistently impeded it. However, in the past few years, an international coalition has gained traction and amassed significant financial backing, pledging investments worth billions.
In that precise instant, the prospect of tax collection became enticing. The existing statute enables the construction of casinos seamlessly incorporated into recreational facilities, including hotels, shopping centers, and dining establishments. The proposition grants permission for up to three casino resort developments per state, contingent on the population size and geographical area.
In that precise instant, the prospect of tax collection became enticing. The existing statute enables the construction of casinos seamlessly incorporated into recreational facilities, including hotels, shopping centers, and dining establishments. The proposition grants permission for up to three casino resort developments per state, contingent on the population size and geographical area.
The bustling metropolis of São Paulo, home to over 25 million residents, has the capacity to accommodate three grand casino complexes. Meanwhile, the neighboring states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, each with populations between 15 and 25 million, possess the potential to establish two casinos within their respective boundaries.
If the proposal was approved, legalizes gambling. It limits one installation per 700 thousand inhabitants in each state. Rio de Janeiro has 16 million inhabitants. It could open up to 22 gambling establishments.
Bingo venues would offer games in various formats, including physical boards, digital displays, and video screens, with the video option capping at 400 machines per location.
The accreditation guideline allows for one bingo hall per 150,000 residents in each city. Additionally, sports betting shops may also run bingo and video bingo services.
Senators ask government to take action against casinos
In the face of this ambiguous situation, two congressional representatives expressed the need for the Lula (PT) administration to take a clear stance on the suggested plan. The senators emphasized the importance of the government providing a definitive position amid the unclear circumstances.
“The PT was always against it. It was Lula who ended bingo in Brazil [in 2004, after suspicion of corruption]. If there is any ethics left from this government, let it demonstrate it now.”
- Girão
The Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) has called for a special meeting next Wednesday (19). This decision was made by the commission's president, Senator Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), who informed the attendees. The gathering will be an exceptional event, as the commission rarely convenes outside its regular schedule.
The senator who oversaw the project, Senator Irajá, forecasts that the regulation of novel gambling options could generate up to R$40 billion in revenue.
Irajá continues to feel hopeful about the project's acceptance, emphasizing that the number of people traveling to casinos and bingo halls in Brazil may increase by as much as double within the next eight years.