Committee Debates Project to Allocate Lottery Funds to E-sports

This Wednesday (10/09), the Sports Committee discussed Bill 6118/2023, authored by Senator Izalci Lucas (PL-DF), which allocates a portion of lottery funds to e-sports in Brazil. The project proposes that 0.04% of federal lottery revenue be directed to the Brazilian Confederation of Games, with the aim of financing development programs, game structuring, and technical preparation of electronic athletes.

During the hearing, Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), an expert in sports law, questioned whether the proposed amount would be sufficient to support the necessary infrastructure, considering the demand from other traditional sports, such as volleyball and basketball, which already receive lottery funds.

Leonardo Fontes, president of the Brazilian Confederation of Games, defended the proposal, stating that the investment would be an important step in consolidating e-sports as a strong modality in the country. He highlighted that athletes dedicate long daily hours of training, comparing electronic sports to other traditional sports practices.

On the other hand, Senator Leila Barros (PDT-DF) raised concerns about the allocation of funds to the Brazilian Confederation of Games. She argued that before any disbursement, it is necessary for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to officially recognize e-sports as a sports modality. According to Leila, this decision should be made by the IOC, not the National Congress.

If approved by the Sports Committee, the project will proceed to analysis in the Chamber of Deputies. The proposal promises to heat up the debate on the inclusion of electronic sports as a formal sporting practice and the use of public funds to finance their structuring in Brazil.