Tourism minister pushes for wider gambling expansion bill in Brazil as pressure mounts
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino has once again come out in support for the bill that authorizes the operation of casinos, bingo, as well as the animal game in Brazil. According to Sabino, the measure could significantly boost tourism in the country, as reported by CNN Brazil.
“As a government agency focused on tourism development, we support the proposal, just like other ministries. We want to attract more visitors and stimulate the movement of people within Brazil,” the minister said.
He also emphasized that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has indicated he will sign the bill if it is approved by the National Congress.
“Based on our discussions, there is an expectation of approval by the first semester of 2025,” he said.
While there is increasing speculation that Brazil could debate the land-based expansion bill in the first half of this year the evangelical caucus has stated that it will oppose the bill. As reported by Brazilian press the bill’s rapporteur, Senator Irajá is working to ensure that the vote occurs soon, relying on the support of the chamber’s president, Davi Alcolumbre. However Carlos Viana president of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front in the Senate told Coluna do Estadão: “We will try to stop it by all means.”
