Zona de Azar Brasil – Paraná Tourism Sector Supports the Legalization of Casinos

Brazil.- July 10, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com The bill approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the Senate on June 19 impacted the tourism sector in Brazil. Although Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), president of the Chamber of Deputies, has stated that there is no urgency for a plenary vote on the legislation on casinos and bingos, President Lula (PT) has already assured that he will sanction the proposal as soon as it arrives in your hands.

The state of Paraná is attentive to the rules and legalization of casinos, bingos and other forms of games in the national territory.

Benefits for Paraná

While representatives of sector entities view the measure positively, some local authorities expressed concerns.

The bill proposes the release of casinos in tourist centers or resorts that have:

At least 100 rooms
Restaurants and bars
Places for cultural events

Each state will be entitled to a concession, with the exception of:

São Paulo, which will have 3 casinos
Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará, which will have 2 casinos each

João Alceu Rigon Filho, president of the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies of Paraná, considers casinos a new tourist attraction that can generate jobs and income.

“Just like the sports betting law, which was the first step towards regulation in Brazil, casinos need a similar organization,” he said.

However, Rigon Filho also warns about social risks. “Awareness work is needed to help bettors with self-control and avoid financial problems.”

Luciano Bartolomeu, president of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants of Paraná, shares this concern. “Betting games last year resulted in R$100 million in debt. We need parallel work for casino gambling culture.”

Julio Iglesias, president of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association of Paraná, supports the project, believing that it can create new jobs and develop regions.

Nilson de Nadai, vice-president of the western region of ABIH, states that the approval of the casinos has national and regional support. “The implementation of a casino in Foz do Iguaçu will increase the range of visitors to the destination and generate employment and income”, he highlighted.

IMPACT OF THE GAMES INDUSTRY

Camilo Rorato, president of SindHotéis, believes that the installation of casinos in Foz do Iguaçu will attract tourists with greater purchasing power, increasing the revenue of the hotel industry and local commerce.

He highlights that many Brazilians currently travel to neighboring countries in search of entertainment and leisure, spending money outside the country. With the offer of casinos in Foz do Iguaçu, these tourists could remain in Brazil and contribute to the local economy.

Fábio Aguayo, president of the Paraná Tourism Federation, sees the release of casinos as an opportunity to develop a new industry, generating jobs and strengthening tourism in Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of considering existing hosting businesses.

On the other hand, André Alliana, municipal secretary of Foz do Iguaçu, fears that the opening of casinos in other regions of Brazil could divert tourists from the triple border. He highlights the need to be creative to maintain the region as a differentiator.

Thus, Foz do Iguaçu will be able to compete for the installation of a casino with Curitiba, cities on the coast or large hotel developments in the northwest and north regions of Paraná. Currently, the triple border already has 10 casinos: five in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and five in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay). The legalization of casinos in Paraná promises to boost tourism and the local economy, with the vote in the Senate Plenary scheduled for after the parliamentary recess.

Edit: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com