Despite resistance from the evangelical caucus, Senator Irajá has already presented a favorable report on the legalization of casinos. Having been approved in the Chamber of Deputies, the Bill now awaits a vote in the Senate.
The measure has the support of Celso Sabino, Minister of Tourism, and Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services.
However, the government has not yet formalized how it will guide its members to vote.
Owning several casino resorts in the United States, the Hard Rock chain has faced challenges in establishing itself in Brazil through partnerships. As reported by Estadão, a major project for eight hotels by the chain failed due to construction delays and Federal Police investigations involving Venture Capital Participações e Investimentos (VCI), which was then the group's partner in the country.
According to the Hard Rock Hotels website, there are currently only three units under construction in the following cities in Brazil: Fortaleza (Ceará), Gramado (Rio Grande do Sul), and Sertanópolis (Paraná).
Celso Sabino states that if Congress approves the casinos, Jim Allen intends to establish additional units in Brazil managed directly by the parent company.
"The integrated resorts with casinos project will undoubtedly attract even greater interest from major hotel chains," he said.
Source: Estadão
