Brazil’s Senate Committee on online betting requests extension amid tight deadlines
Senator Soraya Thronicke, a lead figure in the CPI enquiry into online betting, is pushing for more time to complete testimonies and finalize the report on alleged irregularities in the sector.
Key points:
– Senator Thronicke argues the current deadline is insufficient, with only 10% of approved witnesses heard so far
– A 130-day extension has been requested but still awaits formalisation in the Senate
Members of the committee investigating irregularities in the betting sector are seeking a new extension of the deadline in Brazil.
Indeed, the investigation faces a tight schedule for gathering testimonies, consolidating information and coordinating the approval of Senator Soraya Thronicke’s final report.
The deadline, which is due in 15 days, was originally established in November 2024. It was extended by 45 days at the end of April to operate until 14 June, after the approval of a request.
In early May, Senator Thronicke said she had supported this request out of “fear of not having even a little more time,” but stressed that the period was insufficient and that the decision by party leaders was made without her being heard.
Last week, it was confirmed that the CPI is entitled to a 130-day extension, as more than one third of the senators have signed a request for that purpose. Although the request has reportedly been filed, it has yet to be formalised in the Senate system and is pending a reading in the Plenary by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre.
Thronicke said: “I will deliver my work, but not in the way I imagined; it will be as best I can. I ask President Davi to give us a few more days. I am capable of seeking the Supreme Federal Court, I can file an injunction, but I do not want to judicialize this. I believe dialogue can solve all these issues.”
Good to know: Brazil has recently restricted gambling advertising, including using athletes, influencers, or other celebrities
Regarding testimonies, the CPI has only heard 19 individuals so far, accounting for just 10% of the approved witnesses. The remaining testimonies are either pending scheduling or were missed due to various reasons, including travel or legal protections granted by the Supreme Federal Court to avoid self-incrimination.
One notable absence was that of digital influencer Luan Kovarik, also known as Jon Vlogs, who is considered a key figure in promoting betting advertisements.
Additionally, Soraya said the CPI will effectively have only one more official week of work, since the Commission will not meet during the first week of June due to the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which will take place from 3-5 June. She also criticised the more than one-month delay in resuming the CPI this year, since the first meeting was held on 11 March.
Senator Eduardo Girão, who supports the extension, said: “It seems the CPI wants to end it no matter what. I don’t know if this is reaching some powerful people, or what interests are being pushed… We can work to our limits, even on weekends.”
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