A bill in Brazil has been signed into law that gives legal backing and validation to charity bingo games in the State of Santa Catarina.
This new law was authored by State Representative Antídio Lunelli and has now been given the signature of approval by Governor Jorginho Mello.
It means that churches, community groups, senior citizen clubs and other groups that use bingo games as a way of raising funds for social projects will be protected under the category of “good gambling.”
This practice is long-established in Santa Catarina, with the bill seeking to officially establish that categorization, bringing legal security to how it is treated by the state.
Lunelli commented: “I have always been very clear: I am in favor of church bingo, neighborhood association bingo, and service club bingo — and totally against this betting industry, which profits billions, generates no local benefit and leaves a trail of debt for families.”
As Brazil’s gambling industry continues down its own journey of regulation and formalization, informal traditions such as this are bound to require some clarification as to where they fall in the new landscape.
Transparency of fund allocation is one of the primary practical benefits of this move.
Money raised through charity bingo will now have to fulfill clear criteria in how it is used – it must be put exclusively towards social, leisure, cultural, sporting and welfare initiatives.
Lunelli added: “This law protects those who do good, guarantees leisure, and establishes rules where there has always been good faith.”
He went on to thank Governor Jorginho for his receptiveness to the law, which Lunelli hopes will help hundreds of entities throughout Santa Catarina.
Brazilian police recently shut down an illegal bingo hall in Campinas – the fourth time that establishment has been forcibly closed in recent years
