Bill introduced to permit 32 casinos in Brazil

The bill, if passed, would authorize the opening of resort hotels with casinos across the country. According to the proposals, states with a population of 15 million or less would be permitted to open one casino, while states with populations between 15 million and 25 million would have two.

São Paolo is set to be the only state that will be authorized to open three casinos due to its 45 million inhabitants. Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia would qualify for two casinos while 23 other states could have one each.

Licenses for casino operation would be granted through a system of public bidding, which would give each state a 30 years license. Through the proposals, the government would receive 10 per cent of the gross revenues generated by the casinos, which would be directed towards public safety and tourism programs.

Funds would be split evenly between the General Fund for Tourism (FUNGETUR) and the National Public Security Fund (FNSP).

If the legislation are to be approved, casinos must implement internal measures to ensure that money laundering is prevented, and that steps are taken to ban gambling addicts from entering their premises.

Casinos will be able to occupy a maximum of 10 per cent of the resort areas, which is required to also include a number of other attractions, including: “convention centers, spas, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, art galleries, museums, theaters, musicals shows, golf courses, sports plazas, theme parks and water parks.”

In order to be approved, the bill needs to receive a majority of the 513 MEPs in addition to a majority of the 81 Senators, before proceeding to a presidential sanction.