“Brazil Agenda” still in the pipeline
As the Brazilian National Congress contemplates legal gaming, multinational gaming operators are sizing up the market, which could eventually add casino resorts, “jogo do bicho” (bingo) and bookmaking shops, according to Folha de São Paulo.
At the recent ICE convention in London, Italian slot manufacturer VNE flew a Brazilian flag and displayed a sign saying, “Machines ready for the Brazilian market.” AGT has opened an office in São Paulo.
Legislation that could bring up to 35 casinos to Brazil and also permit online gaming passed in the Senate Special Commission on National Development in December. The bill, which would also legalize internet gaming, 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.
The legislation coincides with tough economic times in the South American country, where the economy is expected to contract 3.5 percent this year, the Wall Street Journal has reported. Based on a 30 percent tax rate, say casino boosters, the industry could generate up to $3.7 billion for the government.
Brazilian Senator Ciro Nogueira authored the bill, which would put casinos inside hotel complexes and offer license terms of 30 years. The bill also includes a provision for bingo, or “jogo de bicho,” and states that cities can have one bingo hall for every 250,000 residents, and each venue can have as many as 50 electronic bingo machines. Senate President Renan Calheiros supports the legislation, known as the “Brazil Agenda,” according to PokerNews.com. The full senate must OK the bill along with Brazil’s lower house and President Dilma Rousseff.
Though Brazil banned casinos nearly 70 years ago, it has an active lottery and horse betting industry and allows major live tournaments to be held in poker associations.
