Since the time of Brazil Empire, casino culture already existed in the country, influenced by the Portuguese colonization. However, the 30s and 40s was the golden periods of casinos, as well as the radio and the great musicals and shows.
The greatness and glamor, trademarks of the casinos, attracted the attention of artists who were successful in the Brazilian radio and who saw in the stages of the great centers of games the opportunity to expose their works.
This occurred for decades until mid-46 when they were closed in a situation that remains until now. On the other hand, in many countries of the world, including several in South America, such as Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile, the practice is regulated.
Southeast, the birthplace of the casino
It could be said that the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and especially Rio de Janeiro concentrated the largest and best casinos in Brazil. Especially in Rio, the Casino of Copacabana Palace and Casino of Urca were references.
Luxury was the word that defined the Copacabana Palace Casino. Its frequenters were the most illustrious of the time: Frank Sinatra, Janis Joplin, Albert Einstein, Wall Disney, among others. At its peak, it was the most sought and desired space in all of South America, as it featured various types of games, as well as providing outstanding artistic shows.
This was the stronghold of the high society of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil that met to play, watch national and international shows, dance and dinner, since the gastronomy was also a reference of the Casino of Copacabana Palace.
The Urca Casino was born as Hotel Balneário, built in 1922 with the intention of hosting the visitors of the international exhibition of that year. Only in 1933 became the great Cassino da Urca, an artistic reference for international singers and radio performers.
It had its high point with the presentations of Carmen Miranda, in the years of 1939 and 1941, becoming a landmark. It was on the same stage that the Portuguese-Brazilian singer recorded albums and offered great performances.
Law that decreed the end of casinos
However, in 1946, by means of decree-law 9215, the president Eurico Gaspar Dutra put an end to the greatness of the casinos and all the glamor, culture and amusement they offered to their visitors.
The decree came into force on the very day of its publication, leaving entrepreneurs and employees without their livelihoods, in addition to artists who presented themselves regularly and creating a major collapse in the economy.
Return of casinos: job creation and tourism
Insisting on banning casinos and betting sites in Brazil is to prevent a large source of revenue for the Union and also the creation of thousands of jobs. It is estimated that more than US$ 8 billion that would be obtained with the legalization of the gaming industry in the country, essential for the current crisis and unemployment period that the country is living.
To the delight of gaming enthusiasts and sports betting, PLS 186, 2014, which authorizes the exploration of bingo, local popular jogo do bicho, casinos and online betting sites, is ready to be voted on in the Federal Senate. Legalize the exploitation of all types of gambling in Brazil would prevent the operation of clandestine enterprises and would be much more profitable generating more than 400 thousand direct jobs in the country.
A sigh of hope for Rio de Janeiro
With the severe crisis of lack of jobs that generates instability in public safety and the fall of state finances leaving Rio de Janeiro in a weak situation, legalizing the activity and investing in the state would be a great solution.
The president of the State Lottery of Rio de Janeiro (Loterj), Sérgio Ricardo de Almeida, indicates the possibility of installing seven to eight casinos, which could generate up to US$ 21.5 billion in revenue, turning the capital in the state, generating jobs and new artistic expressions.
In addition, the eyes of international investors would turn to the possibility of a sure investment, reaching to attract more than US$ 15 billion in investments, tourism boosting and tax collection.
In Petrópolis, the installation of a casino along with a resort could keep the tourism warm well beyond winter providing economic benefits to the city and region.
Source: GMB / aconteceempetropolis.com.br
