Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino has been lobbying members of the Senate to approve Bill 2,234/2022. The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill two years ago. Once signed by the president, it would legalize the operation of casinos, bingos, horse racing and jogo do bicho, Solo Azar reported July 2.
It envisions casinos only if they include hotels, shopping malls, halls for social events or restaurants. Sabino argues that its approval could boost tourism and attract foreign investment.
Lawmakers have been trying for more than three decades to legalize gambling in the largest South American country, which would be the third largest gambling market in the world.
That figure was provided by the Federation of Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars of the State of São Paulo (Fhoresp). It estimates more than BRL 382 billion ($69.6 million) in investments.
The bill was approved by the Senate Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) and now must be taken to the floor of the Senate, also called the Plenary.
One of the senators the minister has met with is Senator Davi Alcolumbre, chairman of the CCJ, who is considered very influential. He’ll also meet with senators from all parties. He has rustled up support from members of the government. He has a powerful ally: Vice President Geraldo Alkmin, who is also Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services.
Besides giving a booster shot to tourism, Sabino insists that it will inevitably attract investments in hospitality and infrastructure. One of these, he says, is Hard Rock International, whose CEO, Jim Allen, he said, “is just waiting for this project to be approved to decide where to build something here.”
He concluded, “The project of resorts integrated with casinos, without a doubt, will provide even greater interest among large chains.”
An estimated 56 offshore companies have visited the country to investigate possible sites.
The bill would allow three types of casinos: casinos as part of tourist complexes, a model that already works in Las Vegas; small tourist casinos, similar to casinos in Punta del Este, Uruguay; and bingos in cities with a population more than 150,000. The largest city, São Paulo, could have up to three casinos as part of integrated resorts. Other cities of more than 20 million, including Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, could have two casinos.
