Paulo Guedes video defending gambling resurfaces in Brazil

A video from a 2020 ministerial meeting featuring former Economy Minister Paulo Guedes has resurfaced on social media. In the recording, Guedes defended the legalization of casinos and gambling for adults, arguing that the state should not interfere in how citizens spend their own money.

During the meeting, Guedes used profanity to emphasize his stance on individual liberty, stating, “It is just legal age, the guy goes in, leaves the money he earned the day before yesterday, drinks, leaves happy, let everyone f*ck themselves!” He further linked this position to the Bolsonaro administration's emphasis on freedom.

The footage originally became public following a Supreme Federal Court (STF) order during an investigation involving former Justice Minister Sergio Moro. The resurgence of the video coincides with recent political shifts in Brazil, specifically following President Lula's signing of a provisional measure aimed at prohibiting certain types of online betting and gambling advertisements.