Brazil: LOTERJ Invited to Join UN Tourism

Brazil.– 17 March 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com  The Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (LOTERJ) has received a formal invitation to join UN Tourism, becoming the first gaming and betting authority in Brazil to participate in this global strategic group focused on tourism development and economic growth.

Overview

The invitation highlights the role Rio de Janeiro aims to play in connecting regulated gaming, tourism and economic development.

The initiative also includes Brazil’s international tourism promotion agency Embratur, strengthening the country’s participation in international discussions related to tourism innovation and economic development.

Details / Context

According to LOTERJ president Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, the invitation recognizes efforts to demonstrate how legal and well-regulated gaming can support economic development and job creation.

Through participation in UN Tourism initiatives, LOTERJ will take part in global discussions on tourism strategies linked to entertainment and digital economy sectors.

Specific subtopics

Regulated gaming as a development driver

Authorities argue that properly regulated gaming can become a significant contributor to tourism growth.

Studies suggest that the legalisation of gaming activities could increase tourism’s contribution to Brazil’s GDP from 8% to around 12%, while also expanding employment opportunities in the sector.

Job creation and investment

In Rio de Janeiro, initiatives such as video lotteries (VLTs) and new entertainment venues like sports bars could create up to 65,000 formal jobs over the next two years, while encouraging new investments and local economic activity.

Tourism expansion in Rio de Janeiro

The initiative coincides with strong tourism growth in the state.

In 2025 alone, Rio de Janeiro welcomed more than 12.5 million visitors, including 2.1 million international tourists, marking the best performance in the sector in over 30 years.

Future outlook

By joining UN Tourism initiatives, LOTERJ strengthens Brazil’s presence in global discussions on how regulated entertainment industries can support tourism and economic development.

The move also reinforces Rio de Janeiro’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub where tourism, innovation and regulated gaming converge to drive sustainable growth.

🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com