Recently, the Brazilian Senate has been facing a wave of opposition, with some senators strongly opposing the bill to legalize physical casinos, arguing that this move would open the door to money laundering and organized crime. Among them, Senator Eduardo Girão has been outspoken, warning that the bill could exacerbate security and social issues in Brazil.
Girão is a staunch opponent of gambling issues. Although Brazil has officially opened its online gambling market this year, discussions on whether to vote on the physical casino bill (PL 2,234/2022) before the Senate recess in July are heating up. Brazilian media "Metrópoles" reported that Senate President Davi Alcolumbre plans to schedule a vote on this case before the recess.
If the Senate passes the bill, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is not expected to oppose it. This means that once the legislative body supports the legalization of casinos, final approval is likely to follow naturally.
However, Girão stated that the bill lacks sufficient opposition voices and public debate during its advancement. He cited recent surveys by mainstream media such as "O Globo," "O Estado de S. Paulo," and "Folha de S.Paulo," pointing out that gambling has become one of the main money laundering methods for criminal gangs.
"We have never seen such large-scale gambling-related money laundering activities. This is one of the biggest problems our country faces—public safety is being eroded," Girão said, "The government claims to take care of vulnerable groups, then it should eradicate the erosion of society by gambling from the root."
Girão also questioned the claim that casinos could create jobs. He pointed out that the economic stimulus emphasized by supporters is severely exaggerated, while gambling addiction, family breakdown, and debt issues are real and foreseeable social costs.
"Our country is already facing too many challenges, there's no need to add another one," he added, "The argument that 'it can create jobs' has long been untenable. We must reject the PL 2,234/2022 bill, it has no benefit to the people, but will cause more social harm."
Although some institutions, including the Federal Police and the Financial Activities Control Board, hold reservations about the legalization of casinos and are supported by the chairman of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, Gilberto Nascimento, public opinion is not one-sided.
According to a poll released by the Senate's DataSenado research department in April this year, about 60% of adults support the legalization of land-based gambling, 58% believe it will increase tax revenue, and 44% believe it will bring more job opportunities.
In the issue of casino legalization, Brazil is clearly still in the midst of intense debate. On one hand, there are the crime risks and social costs worried by the legislators, and on the other hand, there is the public's expectation of its economic potential. The ultimate fate of the bill will depend on the upcoming political negotiations and the direction of public opinion.
