Brazil casinos may be built in existing resorts
Hotel companies want Brazil casinos to be developed within existing resorts and not in new developments.
Brazil.- Brazilian authorities continue to work on how to get casinos going as a legislation is yet to be passed. However, the hotel segment has voiced its concern about the potential development of new resorts in the country.
During a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Front in Defence of Tourism, the segment made a statement. Groups such as the Brazilian Association of Hotels, the Brazilian Association of Resorts (ABR), the Brazilian Federation of Lodging and Food and the Forum of Hotel Operators of Brazil took part of the meeting and said they would rather see casinos built in already established hotels.
“While we understand casinos are important for the generation of employment and taxes, we ask the parliament to consider existing resorts as an ideal space for the installation of casinos,” Alberto Cestrone, President of the ABR, said. “Resorts are a natural product to absorb such a venture. It doesn’t need big investments and still has good gastronomy and structure already ready to make it work,” he added.
The international gaming industry remains expectant on Brazil, casinos, and the gaming industry as a whole. However, President Jair Bolsonaro remains reluctant on gambling and its legalisation, so its future is unclear.
The casino proposal
A lawmaker, Paulo Azi, submitted a bill that would pave the way to build 32 new casinos. The bill needs the approval from at least 81 Senators and presidential support.
The bill establishes the capacity and location of the casinos based on the population of each city. For example, a province with up to 15 million would be eligible to host one casino, while two would be permitted in territories with a population between 15 and 25 million and provinces with more population could host a maximum of three casinos.
