Land-Based Casinos Under Debate in São Paulo City Council: What’s at Stake

The Tourism Committee of the São Paulo City Council has launched discussions on the possible implementation of land-based casinos in the city. The committee hosted Bruno Omori, president of IDT-CEMA and director of Expotel, who presented how the integration of hospitality, entertainment, and gaming could boost São Paulo’s economy in the coming years.

Beyond macroeconomic data, Omori highlighted information about Expotel – the International Trade Fair for Hospitality and Gastronomy, scheduled for March 2026. He emphasized expectations of increased tourist flows, the attraction of corporate events, and the stimulation of private investment. The debate reinforced the view that potential casino regulation could expand job creation, attract foreign capital, and foster urban development.

These discussions take place amid strong expansion of the digital betting and online casino sector in Brazil, driven by growing consumer interest and a diversified product offering. This rapid growth intensifies the debate around regulation, responsibility, and market oversight. Play responsibly.

Tourism, Jobs, and Tax Revenue: Expected Impacts

The case presented by Omori aligns with sector studies indicating that casinos integrated into resorts can significantly increase hotel occupancy, boost events, and strengthen municipal tax revenue. Among the main projected impacts are:

Expected benefits

expansion of direct and indirect employment

increase in domestic and international tourist flows

strengthening of the gastronomic and cultural ecosystem

creation of new urban entertainment hubs

These factors reinforce the argument that São Paulo has competitive potential to host large-scale developments.

Betting in Brazil: 2 in 10 Fans Already Place Bets

A survey cited by Gamesbras indicates that 20% of Brazilian sports fans place sports bets on a regular basis. The practice has spread across different age groups and social classes, driven by sports broadcasts, digital advertising, and easy access via smartphones.

Bettor profile

average age between 25 and 40

predominant use of PIX

strong engagement with football

The popularity of the market underscores the need for clear rules and coordinated consumer protection actions.

Illegal Sites: Fines and Stronger Enforcement

Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has intensified measures against users of illegal betting sites, with fines that can reach up to R$200,000 for players themselves. The initiative targets unlicensed platforms that operate outside player protection rules, KYC requirements, and anti-money laundering standards.

Taxation Under Debate: What May Change in the Senate

Even before land-based casinos are regulated, the Senate is debating adjustments that could increase the tax burden on operators and strengthen funds dedicated to public security and sports.

A bill authored by Senator Renan Calheiros (MDB-AL), designed as a complement to the income tax exemption for individuals earning up to R$5,000 per month, proposes raising taxation on betting operators from 12% to 24%. It also seeks to increase the CSLL from 9% to 15% for fintechs and from 15% to 20% for banks.

If approved, the proposal would require future land-based casinos in Brazil to adapt to stricter rules, including a higher tax burden. Part of these resources could be allocated to combating gambling addiction.

Bettor Behavior: More Frequency, Lower Risk

Recent studies indicate that Brazilians are betting more frequently, but with smaller amounts. This trend is associated with the expansion of platforms and the growing availability of live betting products.

Changes in consumer behavior

fragmented bets

greater focus on simple markets

increased use of responsible gaming tools

Next Steps: Regulation and Impact on Sports

Brazil’s gaming landscape will continue to evolve as regulatory frameworks advance at both municipal and federal levels. For the coming months, experts highlight two priorities: progress in discussions on land-based casinos in Brasília and the definition of higher taxation on online betting.

With debates unfolding in São Paulo and in the National Congress, Brazil is entering a decisive phase in defining how tourism, betting, and casinos will be integrated into economic development over the coming years.