Brazilian President Bolsonaro opposes casinos

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has poured cold water on plans to build casinos in the country, saying they are being used as a cover for money laundering.

Previously, the president hinted that he was not against the proposal. However, the influential evangelical lobby in the country is believed to be the cause of his U-turn.

He has shored up his position in recent months with the help of that very lobby which helped him come to power in 2018, promoting his idea of “family values.” Casinos and gambling do not fit into this clean image he is attempting to portray.

The news of Bolsonaro’s apparent change of heart comes ahead of discussions with his administration and officials to keep the state lottery, Loteria do Estado do Rio De Janeiro, closed for the foreseeable future to stem the spread of coronavirus.