Gambling banned in 1940s
If Brazil lawmakers approve a sweeping casino bill, the South American country could see its first legal gaming halls open in 2019, according to the Casino News Daily.
The legislation, which could bring up to 35 casinos to Brazil and also permit online gaming, has already passed in the Senate Special Commission on National Development. The bill could put in a casino in every state, with up to three in the larger states. The bill now heads to the senate general assembly. If approved there, it will head to the House of Representatives and finally President Dilma Rousseff, who supports the measure, according to GGB sources.
In a report on the matter, Todd Eilers of Eilers Research said 25 casinos with an average of 1,000 slot machines would mean 25,000 Class III gaming devices in the country; the field could add another 195,000 Class II devices if 600 bingo halls open. The online proposal would open market to international operators.
The bill is a matter of pressing concern for Brazil, which is grappling with the worst economy in more than 20 years. The economy is expected to contract 3.5 percent this year, the Wall Street Journal has reported. And Moody’s Investment Services has reduced Brazil’s investment grade to junk status.
Though Brazil banned casinos nearly 70 years ago, it has an active lottery that was established in the 1780s. It also has a horse betting industry and allows major live tournaments to be held in poker associations.
An estimated 8 million Brazilians regularly gamble offshore.
