Senator Voices Strong Opposition to Casino Legalization in Brazil
Senator Eduardo Girão, a staunch opponent of gambling expansion, argues that legalizing casinos in Brazil will fuel money laundering and crime.
Girão has long been a critic of gambling legislation in Brazil. With the recent launch of the online betting market, there are increasing talks that a vote to legalize casinos could occur before the Senate’s July recess.
Brazilian newspaper Metrópoles reported earlier this week that Senate President Davi Alcolumbre plans to schedule a vote on PL 2.234/2022 before the July break.
President Lula is not expected to veto the bill and would ultimately authorize casino regulation if the Senate votes in favor.
Girão has criticized what he sees as a lack of opposition to the bill. He believes recent media coverage of increasing money laundering related to betting proves that casino legalization should not proceed.
“You can read the recent headlines from O Globo, Estadão, and Folha, showing that organized crime has never laundered so much money, never profited so much from the advent of gambling,” Girão stated. “And what is the problem in Brazil today? Basically, it’s public safety.”
“The Lula government, which claims to protect the less fortunate and the poorest, can correct this mistake regarding betting by not allowing more gambling to take place.”
Girão Disputes Job Creation Claims
A key benefit cited by supporters of casino legalization in Brazil is the potential economic boost, particularly in job creation.
Girão disagrees, arguing that the proposed legalization will not create jobs. He believes it will instead harm more families through gambling addiction and debt.
“Brazil already has many problems,” Girão continued. “We absolutely cannot bring another that does not generate jobs, because this farce has already been dismantled. It does not generate jobs.”
“PL 2.234/2022 should be rejected in the name of the Brazilian people, especially the most vulnerable. This tragedy should not even be put to a vote. It is inhumane, it is insensitive.”
Public Opinion on Casinos
In his statements, Girão claimed that important bodies like the Federal Police and the Council for Financial Activities Control share his opposition to PL 2.234/2022.
Earlier this year, the president of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, Gilberto Nascimento, said his party would not support casino legalization.
However, results from a DataSenado survey conducted in April indicate significant public support for a casino sector.
The survey revealed that 60% of the Brazilian adult population favored legalizing casinos, with 58% agreeing that it would increase tax revenue, while 44% said it would generate jobs.
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