Brazil tourism minister banking on proposed in-person casino bill success

Brazil could be on the brink of transforming its gambling sector once again following last week’s proposal to legalise land-based casinos by as early as mid-2025.

If approved, the much-anticipated Bill 2234/22 would soon permit in-person casinos, bingo venues, horse racing betting, and the Jogo do Bicho lottery game.

Having only opened its regulated online gaming sector on January 1, Brazil’s Tourism Minister Celso Sabino claims the move will become a catalyst for a new national economic revival.

Recently having passed through Brazil’s lower house, Bill 2234/22 is making steady progress through the Senate before a likely vote will be held in the next few months. If passed, the bill will also introduce a 17% tax on gross gaming revenue and a 20% tax on net prizes.

Given that Brazil’s online gambling market is already taxed at 12%, the latest evolution of its gaming laws could make it one of the most highly regulated and profitable gambling markets in the world.

The push to introduce in-person legislation stems from the belief that it would help revive the tourism industry, which is still reeling from the drop in post-pandemic visitor numbers.

Sabino believes that by integrating casino-centred resorts it will attract a wealth of new international visitors, as well as fuel a wave of domestic tourism too.

So far, gambling operators are already scrambling to invest in what could be Latin America’s largest gambling marketplace. Hard Rock International has stated its intention of forming partnerships with local businesses to reinforce its tender to operate in casinos in Brazil.

However, despite Sabino’s optimism, not everybody approves the bill’s progression. Religious and conservative lawmakers, including Senator Carlos Viana and Damares Alves, have both publicly stated that they will attempt to block the bill at all costs.

Primary among their concerns is the fear of gambling addiction and a potential surge in crime that often accompanies casino operation rollouts, similar to those seen recently in Macau.

Nevertheless, despite the bill’s high-profile opponents, public opinion appears to favour casino-based legalisation, with 60% of Brazilians supporting the move.

With President Lula reportedly open to signing the legislation should it pass, if Bill 2234/22 can clear its final Senate hurdle, Brazil could be on the brink of opening its doors to operators once again.