Belém (Pará): The Casinos Aboard COP30-hosted Cruise Ships Remain Closed
Brazil.– November 20, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com Although two major cruise ships docked at the fluvial port of Outeiro in Belém (Pará) host COP30 delegations and provide bars, restaurants and pools, the casino sections aboard remain off-limits. This is because, while the vessels are in Brazilian waters, they must comply with national legislation that prohibits any form of wagering.
Overview
The rationale stems from the Decreto-Lei nº 9.215 of 1946, which banned physical casinos in Brazil and extended the ban to vessels anchored within national jurisdiction. Under this interpretation, a ship docked at a Brazilian port falls under national law, which prevents casino operations on board.
Details / Context
The report explains that whilst the cruise ships offer multiple leisure services, the gaming rooms remain closed. Brazilian legal doctrine holds that “the vessel docked in a Brazilian port is within national jurisdiction, which impedes the operation of betting rooms on board.”
Though legislative proposals such as PL 2.234/2022 have sought to relax the rules, no law has yet been passed permitting physical casinos, either on dry land or on board.
Specific Sub-topics
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Maritime jurisdiction and wagering: The article underscores the legal line between international waters — where ships operate under flag state law — and national waters, where Brazilian prohibition remains in force.
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Impact on the entertainment industry: The cruise ships offering leisure to COP30 delegates face revenue limitations without casino operations, limiting complementary service offerings.
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Brazil’s regulatory framework: Despite progress in lotteries and sports betting regulation, the casino segment remains closed, generating conflict with international leisure models.
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Relevance to COP30 context: The scenario arises during a major global event attracting delegates, highlighting friction between local law and expectations of luxury tourism, entertainment and gaming.
Future Outlook
This situation could evolve if Brazil approves new laws to allow casinos either onshore or onboard vessels in national waters. Such a shift could open opportunities for cruise companies, resorts and operators seeking to combine tourism, entertainment and betting. For the Latin American industry, this case becomes a precedent on how jurisdiction and law shape hybrid gaming models.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com