One legislator is determined to prevent the return of casinos to Brazil
A bill aimed at legalizing land-based casinos in Brazil is facing strong resistance from Senator Eduardo Girão, who argues it would open the door to more crime and social harm. Girão has consistently opposed gambling expansion in the country and has spoken out again as Senate President Davi Alcolumbre reportedly plans to bring the proposal, known as PL 2,234/2022, to a vote before the Senate’s July recess.
The bill, if passed, would pave the way for legal brick-and-mortar casinos in Brazil. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is not expected to block the legislation should it clear the Senate. Still, Girão warns that the risks far outweigh the benefits. He pointed to recent reports from major Brazilian newspapers about a spike in money laundering linked to gambling and said these are signs of deeper issues that legal casinos could worsen.
“You only have to look at the headlines,” said Girão. “Organized crime is profiting from gambling like never before. Public safety is already a major concern in Brazil, and this will only make it worse.”
Supporters of the bill say it will create jobs and increase tax revenue, but Girão isn’t buying it. He argues that promises of job creation are misleading and that legal gambling would instead lead to a rise in addiction and financial strain on families.
“This won’t generate real employment,” Girão said. “It will create new problems, especially for the poorest. This bill should be stopped before it does any more harm.”
His stance aligns with the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, which has also vowed to vote against the measure. Despite this, recent public opinion appears to support legalization. A nationwide poll conducted in April showed that 60% of Brazilian adults favor allowing land-based casinos, and many believe it could help improve tax revenue and job growth.
