Brazil: Senator Criticizes Bill Legalizing Gambling

Brazil.- July 10, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com Senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE), speaking on Tuesday (8), criticized the bill that would authorize bingo halls and casinos in Brazil and legalize gambling, including “jogo do bicho” (PL 2.234/2022). According to him, the proposal would pose risks to public health, the economy, and security.

“This is not a trivial legislative measure. Approving this bill would seal a pact between the State and addiction, fostering crime, illusion, and the silent destruction of homes and minds—a pact with consequences beyond luxurious casino halls and promises of tax revenue. We are talking about lives. Current reports show a trail of debt, broken families, unemployment, and even suicides linked to gambling, a real pandemic for mental health. Gambling is not entertainment; it is addiction, compulsion, and disease,” he stated.

Humberto also criticized the potential installation of bingo halls and casinos in underprivileged areas with little oversight and high social vulnerability. He warned these establishments would target the poorest and could become prey to criminal factions.

The senator questioned the State’s ability to regulate the sector, citing the growth of illegal betting and online betting platforms. According to him, Brazil’s recent history shows it has failed to control this market and is now on the verge of expanding the problem.

“Are we going to allow 700 bingo halls and 67 casinos to open without real control, knowing that organized crime is already applauding in advance? Isn’t Brazil’s terrible experience with destructive betting platforms, which have caused widespread social harm, enough? Some seem to think it isn’t. They claim there will be oversight. We can’t even control the betting platforms that have infiltrated the daily lives of our children and teenagers, and now we want to create a new market of illusions?” he questioned.

The senator declared he would vote against the bill and advocated for tackling illegal gambling, increasing regulation of existing betting, and seeking alternative fiscal measures, such as taxing large fortunes.

Source: Agência Senado

Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com