Although the movement against the liberation of games uses as an argument that the release would cause damage in the tourism sector (tourists-gambler would spend more money on bettings than in hotel and restaurant, according to this argument), the entrepreneurs themselves and operators in the sector do not let themselves be convinced. Santa Catarina could be one of the beneficiaries, but there is a problem.
186/2014 to end the ban
With four years since the beginning of its debate, bill 186/2014 aims at the liberation of games of chance in all its forms. This would include establishments with slot machines, bingos, jogo do bicho and, of course, the operation of casinos as defined by law. One of the great arguments used by those who advocate the release of casino games is that it is now possible for any citizen to access platforms over the internet.
Online casinos are a growing industry, and in the case of Brazil they act legally because they are located in other countries, where Brazilian law can not reach. In the absence of a special regime regulating this activity, in practice any citizen can play roulette, blackjack, video poker, slot machine, just by creating an account on these online platforms.
The resort casino
The bill aims to create resort casinos, a large establishment with everything tourists can need: entertainment, restaurants, hotel, etc. And each state would have a limited number of casino licenses, between one and three, according to its population. States with less than 10 million inhabitants would only have the chance to develop one resort casino.
Santa Catarina: there is only room for one
As is easy to understand, Santa Catarina will only be entitled to a resort casino if the bill progresses as it is. And it is here that the problem mentioned above arises, since SC's tourist vocation would certainly deserve more than one establishment.
Costão do Santinho Resort will undoubtedly be one of the main candidates to win the license of the only casino in Santa Catarina, and it seems logical that Floripa will receive this type of equipment. But then, how is positioned Camboriú?
This is a traditional beach destination that attracts international visitors, especially from Argentina. Is this fair for the state? Would it not be necessary to require a different regime for it, or to adjust the bill to the reality of tourism in Santa Catarina?
Source: GMB / Jdv.com.br
