The discussion on casinos is not new, nor is it exclusive to Brazil. You play and bet on all levels of legality around the world. What we can see is that the more control, professionalism and transparency given to this business, the more economic and social return it can provide.
Of the 20 richest countries in the world, 18 have regulated casinos that generate millionaire taxes, high added value to tourism and development throughout the hospitality chain, positively and positively impacting many other segments, not to mention the plentiful supply of jobs that this activity provides.
In Brazil there has been much discussion about the regulation of casino release, which, at first, talks about investments of R$ 50 billion (US$ 12.3bn), generating more than 300,000 jobs throughout the country, bringing about R$ 20 billion (US$ 4.95bn) only in tax collection. But this theme is not new.
To tell the truth, it has existed since the time of the Empire, when it was instituted and released, to be banned for the first time in the Republic in 1917, and again legalized in 1934 by Getúlio Vargas, a golden period that lasted until 1946, being again prohibited by then-president General Eurico Gaspar who, legend says, decided to attend a religious whim of his wife.
This decision immediately generated the unemployment of approximately 40,000 workers. The impact on tourism was brutal and the economy of the “transversal” sectors was shaken very strongly, that is, the economy felt its reflexes and society its impact. Truly - and since that time - those who “least suffer” from this ban are the “gamblers” who, for the most part, have high purchasing power and can “tour” other parts of the world, conducive to meeting their expectations and interests.
From a labor market perspective, the casino business is huge, considering the demand for professionals at all levels to meet a “no sleep” market. In Las Vegas, the main resorts easily have 5,000 rooms and, who knows, the contingent needed to keep a venture of this magnitude running 24 hours a day, are collaborating by the thousands. Literally, a very demanding and well-paid job factory.
In Europe, the reality is no different. Countries that have casinos add, in addition to the conventional tourist flow, a range of luxury-seeking customers who are willing to pay for it. In Portugal, where we also operate, we had the opportunity to redesign the operation of a restaurant, aiming at improving performance. This venture is part of a partner group that operates in this segment and, although located in a relatively small city, impresses with the positive socio-economic impact throughout that region. With this experience, we can say that this business represents a huge slice in the local context, being responsible for driving the others.
Around the world casinos move millions of tourists from various niches and social segments. Consequently, thousands of dollars follow this flow. The impact of the “entertainment industry” brings far more to its scope than hotels, resorts and restaurants. In line with them, they immediately follow other businesses, such as show business, car rental, travel agencies, and souvenir shops, not to mention those that are driven in parallel: from shopping malls to real estate, from printers to golf courses. Thus, we affirm that "gaming" itself becomes a detail in this market. Conventions, shows and exhibitions attract to these destinations as much or more than the "data".
* Rhaxwell Santos is CEO of Estrela do Sucesso, consulting firm and developer in Investment funds in Brazil and Portugal, Hotelier, University Professor and Trainer of winning teams.
