The year 2023 represented a turning point for the Brazilian betting sector due to the approval of regulations in Congress. According to Bruno Omori, president of IDT-CEMA, 2024 arrives with the prospect of advancing the project that foresees the legalization of casinos in the country.
In an exclusive interview with the iGaming Brazil portal, he addresses the impact that this proposal could have on national tourism, as well as explaining the purpose and projects carried out by the Institute for Development, Tourism, Culture, Sport and Environment.
The entity was created with the aim of promoting activities and segments linked to tourism, culture, sport, education, technology, health and the environment, through projects and actions with Entities, Government, Companies and Communities.
“We build a bridge between tourism and the issue of gaming, such as the future casino law. We had a growth of almost 15% in Brazilian tourism in 2023, including business tourism grew by 8%”.
Furthermore, Omori highlights that IDT-CEMA has several projects, such as the development of the tourism master plan for cities and promotion initiatives from grassroots sports to Olympic sports.
Furthermore, he mentions EXPOTEL, an event focused on hotel owners. “EXPOTEL will take place between the 24th and 25th of April at the Frei Caneca Convention Center with the expectation of receiving 3 thousand visitors. We will also have a panel on casinos and gaming.”
For Bruno Omori, the boom in betting games could boost tourism in Brazil
According to Omori, BiS SiGMA Américas and BET Expo were excellent events. “The impact of the fair was wonderful, it presented new possibilities and trends. The events received 10 to 15 thousand visitors, somewhere between 10 and 15% of São Paulo’s hotel capacity”, he explained.
The president of IDT-CEMA also reveals that the government is planning to receive between R$2 and 3 billion in taxes from the betting sector and a relevant part will be passed on to the Ministry of Tourism.
While another portion of these resources will be allocated to the Sports department. “Imagine what can also be done to encourage new athletes, especially with sports betting people looking at other sports besides football”, he concludes.
