Legislation
Brazil – Brazil could give green light to gaming next year
By Phil - 6 December 2015
The President of the Brazilian Institute of Legal Gaming (Instituto Jogo Legal) Magnho José has said that gaming could be a reality as early as next year in Brazil.
Speaking at a tourism and trade meeting held to discuss the issues affecting the development of tourism in the state of Bahia he said that there was now wide consensus on the issue on gaming in both houses and that casinos would be a stimulus to Brazil’s tourism industry.
In a speech entitled: “Brazil and the Return of Casinos” he said: “We have a historic delay of more than 70 years when it comes to the legalisation of casinos in Brazil. The country is now the largest exporter of players in the world because casinos have not been legalised. This is one of a number of activities which need to be legalised such as the animal game and bingo. What we understand is that with the discussions taking place in the legislative branch, the executive and in society, that the sector could be legalised by the first quarter or first half of next year.” Mr. José went on to highlight the generation of jobs and income in a number of countries where the industry has already been regulated and said that if gaming were to be legalised then it could initially generate R$16.5bn in tax income for the state.
“We have two special committees installed in the national Congress both are discussing the legalisation of gambling in Brazil in all its forms,” he said. The issue, he went on to say, is therefore under discussion and the expectation is, according to legislators, that the vote on the bill could be taken next year.
Chairman of the the Tourism Commission of the House of Representatives Alex Manente agreed saying that: “Brazil receives six million foreign tourists, a number which is far short of our potential. It is high time for the country to discuss and legalise gambling in Brazil, to generate income and jobs,” he said. Calls for change were echoed by other government officials present at the meeting including Secretary of the Bahia Tourism Board Nelson Pelegrino who said that: “Gaming can create a new tourism product in Brazil. The tendency of Congress is that it is heading for regulation.”
Consensus would seem to be growing for giving the green light to gaming as Brazil’s current crisis worsens. President Dilma Rousseff sought out the opinion of lawmakers on their stance on the issue in August and gaming is now being debated as part of “Brazil Agenda” a set of new rules put forward by the President of the Senate, Renan Calheiros – a business-friendly agenda which is designed to provide a much needed boost to economic growth.
