Zona de Azar Brasil – Minister of Tourism Supports Casino Legalization in Brazil

Brazil.- March 21, 2025 – Although tourism rates in Brazil have been viewed optimistically since 2023, federal deputy Celso Sabino (UNIÃO-PA), Minister of Tourism, has expressed support for the legalization of casino hotels to promote new attractions for international visitors.

During a public hearing organized by Senator Dorinha Seabra (UNIÃO-TO), President of the Regional Development and Tourism Commission (CDR), the public tourism sector updated the CDR’s stance on gaming and betting.

Sabino reviewed the programs that the ministry is already implementing and highlighted that they are awaiting a debate in the Senate Plenary on Bill (PL) No. 2,234/2022, which would allow the construction of casino hotels in the most populous and tourist-attractive states.

The minister reported that tourism activity is on the rise in Brazil, as the number of international visitors increased by 14.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a trend of further growth.

“The Federal Police records the passports of all foreigners entering Brazil. And this record, which began in 1970, had never reached the mark of 6,770,000 foreign tourists until 2024. In January and February alone, more than 1,800,000 tourists were registered. This year, Brazil will finally surpass the milestone of seven million registered international tourists,” stated Sabino.

Benefits of Tourism for Brazil

According to Sabino’s statement, tourism is one of the country’s major job-creating sectors, in addition to generating income. It also helps improve Brazil’s image abroad and increases the number of domestic flights.

For this reason, the minister considers the creation of casino hotels to be a logical step, as they could contribute to these objectives. In this regard, Sabino mentioned Senator Irajá Abreu (PSD-TO), who estimates that the sector could generate between 600,000 and 1 million jobs, as well as R$ 22 billion in revenue through Cide-Jogos.

“Most states will be able to have a casino, although the number of integrated resorts that can be established in each state will be limited. They will need to create many jobs, build a massive hotel with a convention center, an entertainment area, and a small space for the casino, with strict entry controls – photo, biometrics, and identity verification,” concluded Sabino.

Edited by: @_fonta
www.zonadeazar.com