Owns 35,000 banks and 13,200 lottery locations
The president of Brazil’s largest state-owned bank, which already operates the state lottery, wants to also regulate the land-based and online casino industries.
According to G3newswire.com, Gilberto Occhi says the legalization of gaming in that country could generate around R$20 billion (US$6.1 billion) per year, with online gaming generating the lion’s share of revenues. Speaking at a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, Occhi told reporters, “The country does not have a gaming regulatory agency and Caixa is today an agency that has credibility and respect.”
Occhi says Caixa members have discussed the matter with Senators Ciro Nogueira and Fernando Bezerra, who have played pivotal roles in developing new gaming laws. Proposed legislation is now under consideration by the senate’s Committee on Constitution, Justice and Citizenship.
“You’re going to need payment participation, surveillance and monitoring. We are the only institution authorized to promote games in Brazil, our request to parliamentarians is that we can participate in this management,” Occhi said. He added that bricks-and-mortar casinos would be sited to bring investment to less-developed areas of the country.
The bank now has 35,000 locations nationwide including more than 13,200 lottery shops.
