A leading opponent of gambling in Brazil’s Senate has warned that legalizing land-based casinos could increase money laundering and criminal activity across the country.
Senator Eduardo Girão has voiced strong opposition to the proposed bill legalizing land-based casinos in Brazil, citing concerns that it could lead to a rise in criminal activity.
A consistent critic of gambling legislation, Girão has maintained his stance as Brazil moves forward with regulated online betting, which launched earlier this year. Reports suggest that a Senate vote on legalizing land-based casinos could take place before the chamber's July recess.
Earlier this week, Brazilian newspaper Metrópoles reported that Senate President Davi Alcolumbre intends to schedule a vote on PL 2,234/2022—the bill proposing the legalization of land-based casinos—before the Senate’s July recess.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is not expected to oppose the bill and would be responsible for giving final approval if the Senate votes in favor of a regulated land-based gambling sector.
Senator Eduardo Girão, however, has criticized the lack of resistance to the bill. He argues that recent media reports on money laundering tied to betting highlight the risks of expanding gambling.
“Just look at recent headlines from O Globo, Estadão, and Folha—they show organized crime has never laundered so much money or profited so greatly from gambling,” Girão said. “And what is Brazil’s major issue today? Public safety.”
He added that the Lula administration, which claims to defend the poor and vulnerable, should “correct this mistake” by refusing to expand gambling any further.
Girão opposes view land-based legalisation will create jobs
Supporters of legalizing land-based gambling in Brazil often point to its potential economic benefits, particularly in job creation.
However, Senator Eduardo Girão strongly disagrees, arguing that legalizing brick-and-mortar casinos would not significantly impact employment and would instead lead to increased gambling addiction and financial hardship for families.
“Brazil already faces enough challenges,” Girão said. “We cannot afford to add another by introducing something that doesn’t truly create jobs. That myth has already been debunked—it does not generate employment.”
He called for the rejection of PL 2,234/2022, claiming it would harm the Brazilian people, especially the most vulnerable. “This proposal should never even reach a vote,” he added. “It’s inhumane and lacks compassion.”
Brazil population supportive of land-based legalisation
During his speech, Senator Eduardo Girão claimed that major institutions, including the Federal Police and the Financial Activities Control Council, share his opposition to PL 2,234/2022, the bill seeking to legalize land-based casinos.
Earlier this year, Evangelical Parliamentary Front President Gilberto Nascimento also voiced opposition, stating that his party would not support the legalization of casinos.
However, recent public opinion appears to favor regulation. A DataSenado survey conducted in April showed that 60% of Brazilian adults support the legalization of land-based betting. Additionally, 58% believe it would increase tax revenues, while 44% said it would create jobs.
