The Bill (PL) that aims to legalize and regulate casinos in Brazil represents a unique chance to decentralize resorts and boost the development of smaller tourist hubs, according to the Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino.
This proposal covers the release of various types of gaming, including bingos, casinos, Jogo do Bicho and betting on horse races.
Recently, the text was approved by the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ), with a tight score of 14 votes in favor against 12 against. Currently, the proposal continues to be processed in the House, with no defined date for voting in the Plenary.
Sabino sees the possibility of installing resorts with integrated casinos in existing tourist destinations, but still little explored, far from large urban centers.
He cites as potential examples locations such as Salinópolis and Alter do Chão, in Pará; Olímpia, in São Paulo; Pirenópolis and Alexânia, in Goiás.
Economic boost with casino regulation
Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), the project’s rapporteur, estimates a revenue potential of more than R$20 billion annually. Sabino reinforces the economic argument, highlighting the financial potential of resorts and games, including Jogo do Bicho.
Furthermore, he describes the latter as a “common activity in Brazilian cities and which the law still considers a criminal misdemeanor”.
The Ministry of Tourism has received expressions of interest from several international groups, including European, North American, Chinese, Greek and Chilean businesspeople. Sabino explains that the size of the resorts will vary depending on the number of inhabitants and their respective locations.
“Clear rule. People who will enter the casino area will be identified, there will be control. Anyone identified with this compulsion will not be able to access the areas”, says Sabino, who leads the meeting of G20 Tourism ministers, group of the 20 largest economies in the world, chaired by Brazil this year.
The minister also assures that he does not perceive resistance to the project “from the entire government team”. He advocates implementing strict regulations to prevent gaming addiction, thus ensuring a responsible approach to the legalization of casinos in the country.
