Brazil: Senator Irajá Supports Legalization of Casinos
Brazil.– May 19, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Brazilian senator Irajá Silvestre publicly reaffirmed his support for the legalisation of land-based casinos in Brazil and for opening the country’s agribusiness sector to foreign investment during the Brazil Investment Forum held in New York. The lawmaker argues that Brazil must advance new economic agendas to attract investment, strengthen tourism and accelerate long-term economic growth.
Overview
During his participation at the Brazil Investment Forum organised by LIDE in New York, senator Irajá stated that Brazil is facing a decisive moment to move forward with reforms considered strategic for national economic development.
Among the main issues defended by the senator are:
- legalisation of land-based casinos,
- opening agribusiness to foreign capital,
- tourism expansion,
- attraction of international investment,
- and strengthening legal certainty for investors.
Irajá currently serves as rapporteur for the bill seeking to authorise casinos, bingo halls and integrated resorts in Brazil.
Details / Context
According to the senator, Brazil needs to overcome ideological prejudice and address structural issues capable of modernising the national economy.
Within the gaming sector, Irajá argues that legalising land-based casinos could:
- boost international tourism,
- create millions of jobs,
- increase tax revenue,
- attract major international groups,
- and integrate Brazil into the global entertainment industry.
The lawmaker also claims that Brazil already coexists with a massive illegal gambling market and that the country’s historic casino prohibition failed to prevent underground operations.
Figures cited by the senator indicate that:
- six out of ten Brazilians support casino legalisation,
- while approximately 70% believe the current prohibition does not effectively reduce illegal gambling.
During the event, Irajá also defended legislation that would allow foreign investors to purchase or lease rural land in Brazil, arguing that the measure could significantly expand international financing and capital flows for Brazilian agribusiness.
Impact
The statements reinforce growing perceptions that the legalisation of land-based casinos is regaining political and economic momentum within Brazil’s Congress.
The issue is increasingly shifting away from being treated solely as a moral or ideological debate and is becoming linked to:
- economic development,
- tourism,
- infrastructure,
- job creation,
- and attraction of global investment.
However, the proposal continues generating strong political and social polarisation. Concerns remain regarding:
- money laundering,
- organised crime,
- gambling addiction,
- and broader social impacts associated with gambling expansion.
Supporters of regulation, meanwhile, argue that legalisation would allow:
- stronger state oversight,
- increased tax collection,
- reduction of illegal gambling,
- and implementation of modern compliance and responsible gambling frameworks.
Future Perspective
The debate surrounding land-based casinos in Brazil is expected to intensify throughout 2026, particularly due to:
- consolidation of regulated online betting,
- growth of international tourism,
- the approach of FIFA World Cup 2026,
- and the need for new sources of economic revenue.
Industry experts believe the convergence between:
- integrated resorts,
- entertainment,
- digital platforms,
- premium tourism,
- and omnichannel experiences,
could deeply transform Brazil’s gaming ecosystem over the coming years.
The major challenge for Brazil’s Congress will be balancing economic growth, social protection, the fight against illegal gambling and the construction of a stable and competitive regulatory framework.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com
