In Brazil, we still deal with the prohibition of venues destined to games of chance, despite being considered important spaces for national tourism development. The search for the legality of casinos is an old and lengthy debate where, most of the time, there are obstacles that tend to make it even more difficult to advance the approval of the Regulatory Framework for Gaming (Bill nº 442/91).
For the private sector, the advance of the measure would include the development of several regions of our country, since it would be possible to expand the attractions for tourists. In addition, there are strong indications that we would have greater generation of employment and income in Brazil, creating more than 400 thousand new jobs and an increase of more than 200% in the tourist potential of cities.
Our intention in working for the approval of Bill Nº 442/91 is, precisely, to promote tourism in general. In the aspect of hospitality and similar, for example, we could have an integration of casinos as part of their establishments. The food offer would not be left out: it is possible to combine a good gastronomic experience with environments intended for gaming. Creativity is a great ally to bring innovation and differentiated ventures to our market. However, we need to legalize the activity for this to be possible.
In 2019, we were able to reiterate the importance of this debate in the National Congress, with the launch of the Mixed Parliamentary Front. At the time, we were already looking to allow the existence of one casino per Brazilian state, as long as the region had up to 15 million inhabitants. For states with 15 to 25 million inhabitants, two gaming houses would be allowed to operate. For more than 25 million, three establishments could be built.
The ban on gambling should not be maintained, as there are current factors that must be accurately assessed. The decision to close these spaces, presented seven and a half decades ago, proves to be old and inadequate in view of the benefits that we can reap with the implementation of casinos. It is known that, before the prohibitive measure, Brazil was responsible for housing about 70 gambling venues, responsible for generating a high rate of employability. It is incoherent to allow that decision to remain in operation today.
It is estimated that in the United States alone, there are more than a thousand casinos spread across North American states. The gaming industry showed strong performance, since, in 2018 alone, it generated more than 1.7 million jobs, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) record of around US$ 240 billion.
We could be receiving the same economic benefits, but we are still experiencing great difficulties in terms of legalization. If we proceed with the approval of gambling houses, it will be necessary to reinforce issues related to social awareness about the subject. Our search is for the return of casinos, but even so, it is necessary that the decision is prudent, healthy, and beneficial for the entire population.
There is a lot of prejudice against the theme, however, we cannot fail to bring the debate to the fore. Our country is recognized worldwide for its paradisiacal, natural, and diverse beauties, such as beaches and mountains, but within the sector, it is necessary to think beyond. We need - and can - offer varied activities, thinking of all audiences. When we break the “sameness” and take on new challenges, we are able to move towards great opportunities. Regulating gambling is part of this process.
Alexandre Sampaio
FBHA President
