The Brazilian Senate has approved a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) to investigate the financial impacts of online gambling ahead of the regulated market’s launch on January 1. Senator Soraya Thronicke tabled the proposal and some 30 senators supported. She represents the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
The CPI will investigate how the introduction of regulated gambling impacts the finances of Brazilian families. According to Thronicke, the commission should focus on how gambling could increase financial liabilities and indebtedness and the effectiveness of protections against money laundering. The inquiry should also look into the risks of gambling addiction according to other senators.
After the Central Bank reported that recipients of the Bolsa Família state benefits programme, the move comes after. Brazilian President Inácio Lula da Silva has ordered the ministers of finance, sports, healthcare, public welfare, and social development to implement measures preventing welfare payments from being used for gambling. This comes after reports revealed that low-income families spent BRL 3 billion (€500 million) on gambling. He also told the ministers to develop measures to mitigate financial risks and debt problems.
Senator Alessandro Vieira has proposed banning individuals listed in credit protection systems from participating in gambling. On the other hand, senator Eduardo Girão has called for a restriction on celebrities promoting gambling at sports events. His call came after celebrities came under scrutiny for alleged connections to gambling. These celebrities are Gusttavo Lima and influencer Deolane Bezerra.
