Brazil: Senator Highlights Christian Leaders’ Unity Against Bill Legalizing Bingos and Casinos

Eduardo Girão criticizes gambling legalization and warns of social risks

Brazil.-  04 de Julho de 2025 www.zonadeazar.com  Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) on Wednesday (2) criticized Bill PL 2.234/2022, which seeks to authorize the operation of bingos and casinos in Brazil and legalize gambling, including the “jogo do bicho”. According to Girão, the proposal would worsen social issues already evident with the legalization of online sports betting.

Christian leaders stand against the bill

In the Plenary, Girão read a letter from the Interdenominational Council of Evangelical Ministers of Brazil (Cimeb) rejecting the proposal, citing risks such as addiction, debt, family impacts, corruption, and money laundering.

He also stated that religious leaders plan to reveal the names of parliamentarians who vote in favor of the bill during the elections.

“We cannot turn into the country of gambling,” warns Girão

Girão argued that the bill goes against public interest and does not generate jobs as its supporters claim, stating that gambling diverts income from local businesses and causes severe social consequences.

“I warned about this: debt, broken marriages, devastated families, unemployment, and worst of all, suicides due to debts. Online betting targets adolescents up to 49 years old. We cannot turn into the country of gambling,” he declared.

Bill is not a priority for the Brazilian people

The senator questioned the interests pushing the proposal and reiterated that legalizing gambling does not address the population’s priorities.

“This is not a priority for the Brazilian people. Who benefits from this? It does not generate jobs; it’s already proven,” he concluded.

Source: Agência Senado (Authorized reproduction with citation of Agência Senado)

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