Lawmakers in Brazil are moving forward on possible legislation that would legalize casinos inside of integrated resort (IR) complexes.
The president of Brazil’s House, Senator Rodrigo Pacheco, has appointed Senator Veneziano Vital do Rêgo to report on Bill 4495/2020, which would allow IRs in Brazilian states, one per state, with public concessions of 35 years. The senator’s appointment as rapporteur would appear to give the bill an advantage over similar bills being considered.
In Brazil, IRs are defined as “tourism complexes with casino operations that combine hotel facilities, convention centers, spaces for fairs, exhibitions, corporate events, congresses and seminars, incentive meetings, centers ecumenical, in addition to different entertainment and convenience options offered to the visitor, such as restaurants, bars, spas, shopping centers, art galleries, museums, theaters, golf courses, theme parks, water parks and other options.”
A report last year to Economy Minister Paulo Guedes estimated that IRs have the potential to attract R$44 billion ($8.11 billion) and generate R$ 18 billion in taxes annually, plus generate 161,000 jobs and increase tourism. Moreover, Minister of Tourism Gilson Machado Neto estimates that IRs could triple tourism numbers.
From 1934 to 1946, Brazil was famous for its more than 70 glamorous casinos, especially those in Rio de Janeiro. They were banned in 1946.
