The bill authorising the operation of casinos and bingos in Brazil has made progress in Congress. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino (União Brasil/Pará) defends the bill that authorises casinos and bingos in the country on the basis of economic impact studies that point to the benefits of regularising these activities for tourism in Brazil, as well as generating jobs and more tax revenue for the public coffers.

Celso Sabino told to a local media that he had discussed the issue with the new president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, and that it should be put on the voting agenda soon.

‘The bill actually authorises the installation of casinos in tourist centres or integrated leisure complexes, such as resorts and high-end hotels. Casinos can also be set up on maritime vessels, limited to 10 in the country,’ the minister explained. There will also be a division by state, so that these tourist centres can help regional development.

He added that ‘The bill has already received more than 400 favourable votes in the Chamber of Deputies, and we are working to get it approved in the Senate soon.’

Parliamentarians representing the religious sector are resisting the casino project. ‘There are casinos in evangelical, Christian countries. That can't be an impediment,’ argued Sabino.

President Lula has already declared that he will sanction the law if it goes through Congress. The president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, has also been in favour, but defends rules with limits on betting.

The National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) also supports the legalisation of casinos.

The bill authorises the installation of a casino in each state and the Federal District, with the exception of São Paulo, which can have up to three casinos, and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará, which can have up to two each, due to the size of their population or territory.

Investments could reach R$100 billion, generating around 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs in Brazil. The potential revenue per year would be R$22 billion, divided between the states, municipalities and the federal government.

By Samanta Sallum