Minister of Tourism of Brazil presents plans to develop the gaming sector in the Congress of Deputies

The Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, presented on Wednesday (23) to the Tourism Commission of the Chamber of Deputies (Ctur) the actions, programs and projects of the portfolio for the development of the country in the sector. Among the measures is the National Tourism Plan, which includes the promotion of interregional tourism and job creation for the next five years.

Highlighting Brazil's potential to receive national and international visitors, Deputy Bacelar (PV/BA), former president of the Ctur, praised the plan, but stressed the need to legalize gambling in the country. The Bahian parliamentarian affirmed that, with legalization, income could reach 20,000 million reais per year and generate up to 650,000 new direct and indirect jobs.

The gambling ban has generated debate and controversy over the years, raising questions about its effectiveness and possible repercussions on society, but Sabino defended the legalization of gambling, stating that it is an essential source of funds for the tourism sector. He also stated that the federal government is already debating support for a bill that could legalize betting in Brazil, the so-called "Gambling Legal Framework."

As a federal deputy, the minister voted in favor of legalization when the project was approved in the Chamber of Deputies in February 2022. "Legalization opens the doors of Brazil to the world. Regulation is necessary to attract international tourists," he said. 

Currently in the Senate, the matter is still awaiting the appointment of a rapporteur in the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ). In short, the measure legalizes the practice of casino games, bingo, video bingo and even jogo do bicho. In Brazil, gambling is considered a criminal offense under current legislation.