Brazilian Government to veto Gambling Legislation

Stalled since Michel Temer's government, sports betting regulation gained momentum after Chamber President Arthur Lira created a working group to discuss the legalization of casinos, slot machines and bingos, among others. The idea is that the topic can be voted in the Chamber by the end of the year.

The proposal has enthusiasts among the president's closest aides, such as the Chief of Staff Ciro Nogueira, but is met by resistance from Evangelical parliamentarians. In VEJA, the president said that he has already been approached by supporters of the liberation of games in the country, but he told them that the measure will not have the government's support to be approved in Congress and, if it still goes ahead, he will veto the proposal.

“I think there will be more to lose than gain right now. If by chance it approves, I have my veto, which is natural, and then Congress can overturn the veto. Yes, what is being discussed so far will have my veto. Period,” said Bolsonaro. “At the moment, my opinion about games of chance is this”, he added.

The release of games of chance is also defended by parliamentarians who see in the initiative the possibility of increasing the tourism sector and hotels and resorts in the country. Instead of regulating paid bets, Bolsonaro said he intends to boost the industry by facilitating jet-skiing. According to the president, it would be possible to get a license that allows you to use a jet ski using the common driver's license and a disclaimer. There is no deadline for the idea to get off the ground.

“There's something I want to download: jet-ski. I don't walk, it's expensive, but I'm in contact with the Navy so we can facilitate the jet-ski license. Today it is very complex and I would like it to be similar to what happens in the United States, [using only] your driver's license and a disclaimer, because in a minute you learn to drive a jet-ski. This has to do with tourism in Brazil,” he said. "It's 0.001% employment, but I shoot in all directions."