Rio de Janeiro Launches Project to Transform Capital into Gambling Hub
Tuesday 23 de September 2025 / 12:00
⏱ 2 min read
(Rio de Janeiro).- The government of Rio de Janeiro state has unveiled an ambitious plan to turn the capital into Brazil’s leading gambling hub, inspired by the Las Vegas model. Informally dubbed the “Las Vegas Plan,” the project aims to install 200,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) within two years in venues such as the Hotel Nacional and the Jockey Club, alongside entertainment areas featuring giant screens, restaurants, and live shows.
The initiative gained momentum after Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) issued a decree regulating the activity, building on provisions of the federal law that legalized sports betting in 2023. According to Castro, the sector could create 65,000 jobs and significantly boost state revenues, which currently amount to just 30 million reais annually. “Gaming is an economic activity that creates jobs and drives tourism, but it must be strictly regulated,” the governor stated.
Despite official enthusiasm, the proposal faces resistance. Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes (PSD), blocked the issuance of operating licenses for interested companies, citing lack of control. “If we’re going to build a Las Vegas, there needs to be proper legislation for opening casinos. The way this was approved, we have no oversight,” Paes argued.
The project has also raised concerns about the ownership structures of some companies authorized by Loterj, the state lottery authority. Among them are groups tied to heirs of historic “jogo do bicho” figures and other gambling rackets. Critics argue that the migration of such capital into the legalized market highlights the urgent need for strict oversight.
According to Loterj, the VLTs function as an electronic version of scratch cards, with numbered series and predetermined prize payouts. At least 65% of revenues must be distributed as prizes, and access is restricted to adults via QR code verification.
The “Las Vegas Plan” emerges at a time when full legalization of casinos in Brazil remains pending in Congress. Until then, the clash between the state government, city hall, and industry players is expected to intensify debate over the future of gambling in the country.
Categoría:Gaming
Tags: Sin tags
País: Brazil
Región: South America
Event
SiGMA North America 2026
01 de September 2026
LatAm Regulators Discussed Illegal Gambling and Innovation at SiGMA North America
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The panel "The Red Pen Forum: Regulators Respond to the Industry," held during SiGMA North America 2026, brought together representatives from Uruguay, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Honduras to analyze regulatory challenges, digital transformation, illegal gambling, and the need to adapt lotteries for new generations. The conference was moderated by Rodrigo Cigliutti, Executive Director of CIBELAE (Ibero-American Corporation of State Lotteries and Betting), and featured the participation of Marcelo Visconti, National Director of Lotteries and Quinielas of Uruguay; Carlos Moyano, President of IAFAS Entre Ríos, Argentina; Heidi Hernández Olivo, Deputy Secretary of the Puerto Rico Lottery; and Lissa Mencía, General Director of Lottery Operations and Games at Loto Honduras.
Monday 28 Sep 2026 / 12:00
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(Mexico, SoloAzar Exclusive).- During SiGMA North America 2026, Rosa Ochoa, founder of the Blue Global Gaming platform and strategic advisor for gaming operators; Iliana María Pineda Echeverri, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Wplay.co; Iraid Rosales, Country Manager Mexico at Amusnet; and Elizabeth Maya Cano, Executive President of CORNAZAR, analyzed the key factors in managing crisis situations within the iGaming industry, with a special focus on transparency, communication, technology, and preparation.
Friday 25 Sep 2026 / 12:00
Affiliates and Acquisition: Keys to Regulated Markets in North America
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- During SiGMA North America 2026, Cristopher Guzmán Reyes, Head of Affiliates at Logrand Entertainment Group; Guga Júnior, influencer and slots expert at Scalar Partners; Andrés Gómez, Head of Latin America Go-to-Market Strategy at Admattic; Yambot Aguilera, Gaming and Finance Sales Director at Google; and Paula Gabriel Jiménez, Advertising Client Growth Director for Microsoft at Aleph, analyzed the state and provincial affiliate ecosystem in North America, as well as the acquisition challenges in regulated markets.
Thursday 24 Sep 2026 / 12:00
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