Senator Irajá (PSD – Tocantins), rapporteur of Bill 2234/2022, which deals with the legalization of casinos, bingo, jogo do bicho and betting on horse races, defended the proposal in an interview with journalist Carla Benevides, from TV Senado.
The parliamentarian presented technical arguments and economic data that, according to him, justify the regulation of the activity in the country. Irajá stated that he has dedicated the last five years to studying the topic and has traveled to several countries to analyze international models.
“After much study, visiting countries like the United States, Singapore and analyzing European models, I came to the conclusion that it is not possible for the entire world to be wrong and only Brazil to be right,” declared the senator.
In justifying the proposal, he compared the Brazilian situation with that of the countries that make up the G20. “Only Brazil and Indonesia have not yet regulated gambling,” he said.
According to him, although illegal, the practice already occurs and moves billions outside the national territory, without generating taxes or jobs in the country.
Opportunities with the legalization of casinos
Irajá argued that legalization will create opportunities in all regions. “We have studies that indicate investments of up to 40 billion dollars, generating 200,000 direct jobs and raising up to 18 billion reais in taxes,” he said.
The senator highlighted that tourism could be one of the sectors that would benefit the most. He mentioned the potential of Brazilian landscapes and compared them to international destinations. “While Brazil receives 6 million tourists per year, Cancún attracts 30 million and Las Vegas more than 40 million,” he noted. For him, integrated resorts would be a new attraction.
Regarding the model, he explained that there will be one federal concession per state, with the exception of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Bahia, which may have more than one, due to their population. “It will be a public competition similar to airport bids. The largest project, with the most quality and investment, wins,” he explained.
The proposal foresees strict criteria. “The bidding law will be applied in the technical and price modality. In other words, the winner will be the one who presents the best project associated with the greatest investment and job creation,” he assured.
Senator Irajá also emphasized that the project goes beyond gaming. “Las Vegas currently generates 80% of its revenue from tourism and only 20% from gaming. The project is about generating business, events and culture,” he concluded.
The project may be voted on this Tuesday (8), in the Senate Plenary.
