The Bill that allows casinos, bingos, Jogo do Bicho and other games in Brazil was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in February 2022, after extensive debates. But federal deputy Vermelho announced that the proposal will be voted on in the Senate Plenary after the parliamentary recess.
Casinos have enormous economic potential
The project, which was recently approved (June 2024) by the Senate’s CCJ (Constitution and Justice Commission), will be one of the priority agendas for the second semester, according to the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco.
“The majority of senators are convinced that the release of the games will be fundamental to promoting tourism, generating jobs and guaranteeing an important source of revenue for the country to invest in other sectors,” said Vermelho.
The PL rapporteur, senator Irajá, has already declared his confidence in approval. He believes that the release of casinos will boost tourism and create thousands of jobs in Brazil.
Data shown by parliamentarians in favor of releasing casinos indicates:
- More than 1 million direct and indirect jobs generated in the casino region.
- Approximately R$100 billion of investment in new projects over the next 5 years in Brazil
According to the deputy, countries that legalized gaming saw a significant increase in tourism, while Brazil remains outside this global circuit. He cites Foz do Iguaçu, which receives around 2 million tourists a year, many of whom cross the border to gamble in Paraguay or Argentina.
The deputy believes that the approval of the text could make Brazil the third largest market in the world for betting games, behind only the United States and Monaco.
President Lula has already declared that he will sanction the Cassinos PL if the Senate approves it.
Casino in Foz do Iguaçu
But that’s not all, Deputy Vermelho guaranteed that a casino will be built in Foz do Iguaçu with:
- Game rooms
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Space for musical shows and cultural events.
The region borders Argentina, which already has casinos, which would make Foz do Iguaçu an even bigger tourist hub with the presence of gaming.
Therefore, the legalization of casinos has the potential to attract large national and international investments. Companies in the entertainment and tourism sector see Brazil as a market with vast opportunities due to its cultural diversity and natural beauty.
Furthermore, regulated casinos are a significant source of tax revenue. In other words, it is estimated that this sector generates billions of reais in taxes annually. Therefore, by approving the project, the government would have additional resources, with a percentage of them going to health, education and security.
Another positive factor in the release of casinos is greater control over the activity, reducing tax evasion and combating illicit practices.
Some economic analysts see the legalization of casinos in Brazil as an opportunity for modernization and economic growth. Because, by attracting investments, there is an increase in tax collection, job creation and contribution to the sustainable development of the country.
