The bill that authorizes the operation of casinos and bingos in Brazil continues to advance in Congress. The Minister of Tourism himself, Celso Sabino (União Brasil/Pará), publicly supports the proposal and is in favor of the benefits that the regularization of activities will bring to Brazilian tourism.
According to Sabino, the defense of the project is based on the economic impact study, which points out several benefits brought about by regularization. Among them, the significant increase in tax collection and the creation of jobs.
“The project, in fact, authorizes the installation of casinos in tourist centers or integrated leisure complexes, such as resorts and high-end hotels. Casinos can also be installed on maritime vessels, limited to 10 in the country”, explained the minister, in an interview with Jornal Correio Braziliense.
At the time, he also stated that there will be a division by states, so that these tourist hubs can help with regional development.
Another point raised by the minister was regarding the processing of the project. According to him, this subject was a topic of conversation with the new president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, who is his party colleague. “The project has already received more than 400 favorable votes in the Chamber of Deputies, and we are working to have it approved in the Senate soon.”
Despite this, the project is resisted by a section of parliamentarians, mainly those representing the religious sector. However, Sabino has also positioned himself in this sphere. “There are casinos in evangelical, Christian countries. This cannot be an impediment”, argued the Minister.
President Lula has already declared that he will sanction the law if it advances in Congress. In the same vein, the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, had also expressed his support, but defending rules with limits on betting.
Details of the ‘Casinos PL’
The project authorizes the installation of a casino in each state and the Federal District, with the exception of São Paulo, which may have up to three casinos, and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará, which may have up to two each, depending on the size of the population or territory.
Investments could reach R$100 billion, generating around 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs in Brazil. The potential revenue per year would be R$22 billion, divided between the states, municipalities and the Union.
