A prominent voice within Brazil’s Senate has voiced strong opposition to the proposed legalization of land-based casinos, warning that such a move could serve as a conduit for increased money laundering and organized crime. Brazil Senator land-based casinos
Senator Eduardo Girão, known for his steadfast stance against gambling expansion, expressed his skepticism about the bill, emphasizing the potential for criminal elements to exploit the new legal framework. With the online gambling market already operational this year, speculation is mounting that the Senate might vote on the legislation—PL 2,234/2022—before the upcoming July recess.
Sources suggest that Senate President Davi Alcolumbre intends to set the vote prior to the break, a move that has garnered both support and criticism. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appears unlikely to oppose the bill directly, meaning final approval would rest with his signature if the Senate passes it.
Girão has been particularly vocal about what he perceives as the risks tied to legalization. He pointed to recent media reports highlighting a surge in betting-related money laundering, asserting that these developments underscore the dangers of moving forward.
“You can read the headlines of O Globo, Estadão and Folha recently, showing that organised crime has never laundered so much money, never made so much profit from the advent of gambling,” Girão remarked. “And what is the problem in Brazil today? Basically, it is public safety.”
He further criticized the Lula administration’s stance, suggesting that the government, which champions protecting the vulnerable, should reconsider its support for legislation that could exacerbate societal issues related to gambling.
Proponents of legal land-based casinos argue that such legislation would bolster the economy by creating jobs and increasing tax revenue. Girão, however, dismisses these claims, contending that the supposed economic benefits are overstated or nonexistent.
“Brazil already has too many problems,” he stated. “We absolutely cannot bring in another one that does not generate jobs, because this farce has already been dismantled. It does not generate jobs.”
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He called for the rejection of PL 2,234/2022, emphasizing the importance of protecting society’s most vulnerable and warning that the bill’s passage would be an inhumane mistake.
While Girão voiced concerns from a law enforcement and social perspective, he also highlighted the political divide on the issue. He claimed that institutions such as the Federal Police and the Financial Activities Control Council share his apprehensions about the bill. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Gilberto Nascimento, leader of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, declared that his party would oppose casino legalization.
Despite political opposition, recent data from a survey conducted by DataSenado shows significant public support for legal land-based betting. The results indicated that 60% of adult Brazilians favor legalization, with 58% believing it would help increase tax revenues and 44% suggesting it could create new jobs.
As the debate continues, the question remains whether the legislative and executive branches will align with public sentiment or prioritize concerns over potential risks associated with the gambling industry. Brazil Senator land-based casinos
