The bill approved by the Senate’s CCJ (Constitution and Justice Commission) on June 19 affected the tourism sector in Brazil. But, despite Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), president of the Chamber of Deputies declaring that there is no rush to vote in plenary on the casino and bingo legislation, President Lula (PT) has already guaranteed that he will sanction the proposal as soon as it arrives in your hands.
The state of Paraná is keeping an eye on the rules and legalization of casinos, bingos and other forms of games in the national territory.
Benefits for Paraná
While representatives of sector entities welcome the measure, some local authorities expressed concern.
The bill provides for the release of casinos in tourist centers or resorts with:
- At least 100 rooms
- Restaurants and bars
- Locations for cultural events on your premises
Each state will have a concession, except:
- São Paulo with 3 casinos
- Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará with 2 casinos
João Alceu Rigon Filho, president of the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies of Paraná, sees casinos as a new tourist attraction that can generate jobs and income.
“Taking the example of the sports betting law, which took the first step towards regulation in Brazil, casinos need a similar organization,” he said.
However, at the same time, Rigon Filho 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 the same concern. “Betting games last year resulted in R$100 million in debt. We need parallel work for the betting culture in casinos.”
Julio Iglesias, president of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association of Paraná, supports the project, believing 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 pointed out.
Impact of the gaming industry
Camilo Rorato, president of SindHotéis, believes that the casinos in Foz do Iguaçu will attract tourists with greater purchasing power, increasing the revenue of the hotel industry and local commerce.
“Currently, many Brazilians travel to neighboring countries in search of entertainment and leisure options, spending money outside the country. But, with the offer of casinos in Foz do Iguaçu, these tourists can remain in Brazil and contribute to strengthening the local economy”, he stated.
Fábio Aguayo, president of the Paraná Tourism Federation, sees the release of casinos as an opportunity to promote a new industry, generating jobs and strengthening tourism in Brazil. He highlights the importance of considering existing accommodation projects.
On the other hand, André Alliana, municipal secretary of Foz do Iguaçu, fears that the opening of casinos in other regions of Brazil will divert tourists from the triple border. “We need to be creative to continue being a differentiator,” he said.
Thus, Foz do Iguaçu will be able to compete for the installation of a casino with Curitiba, cities on the coast or with large hotel developments in the northwest and north regions of Paraná. Currently, the triple border already has 10 casinos:
- 5 in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina)
- 5 in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay).
Therefore, the legalization of casinos in Paraná promises to boost tourism and the local economy. The vote in the Senate Plenary must take place after the parliamentary recess.
