Bahia may have up to two resort casinos if Bill 530/2019, authored by federal deputy Paulo Azi (DEM), is approved by the Chamber of Deputies. The text, presented on February 6, provides for the exploration of games of chance at resort casinos across the country. The intention is to set up entertainment complexes that would include, in addition to casinos, hotels and convention center.
The bill provides for the establishment of the venues in proportion to the population of each of the states. According to the text, Brazil could have, in all, up to 32 casinos. It also prescribes as a criterion for the instalation of a casino, by State or in the Federal District, the population of up to 15 million inhabitants. States with a population between 15 and 25 million may have two casinos. And in states with a population of more than 25 million, the text provides for the installation of at most three casinos resorts.
Thus, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais could have up to two resorts, São Paulo would be the only state that could install up to three, while the other ones could have only one gaming venue.
Since 1946, Brazilian law prohibits the practice or exploitation of games of chance throughout the national territory, with the decree of Law No. 9,215. Currently, legalized bets are restricted to the Caixa Federal’s Lottery, administered by the Federal Government.
In support of the text he wrote, Democrat Paulo Azi argued that the establishment of this type of business would contribute to the local and national economy, generate jobs and especially boost tourism. According to the parliamentarian, despite demanding a large investment for the facility, the return that casinos could give reward.
"A large casino, just to install, is at least US$2.7 billion of investment, but in turn it generates 50 thousand jobs," Azi argued. "For the state, such an investment attracts a lot of people and boosts tourism; people will go to the state because they like this type of entertainment, it generates repercussions on revenue and public sector revenue," said the Democrat, who was the relator of the General Law of Tourism in the Chamber.
By promising "not to let it pass", federal deputy Bacelar (Podemos party) believes that the approval of PL 530/2019 would not bring benefits to Bahia state. "The exclusive liberation of casinos will only benefit São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro," he said. "It does not have the power, for example, to generate employment with gambling," said Bacelar, who favors, however, the liberation of games of chance comprehensively.
"Bahia has no revenue. The population of the state does not have the purchasing power to run two casinos, I do not know if Rio de Janeiro has, or São Paulo. What people see is a proposal to benefit foreign capital. Why not legalize all gaming modalities? What justifies this? ", Bacelar criticized.
Despite the disagreement with the bill, Azi, as well as Bacelar, advocates the release of games of chance activities. The Democrat compares the ban with "capping the sun with the sieve," on the grounds that such games exist and are operated illegally throughout the country. The deputy also explained that the text cites specifically the casinos because they are linked to tourism.
Source: GMB / Jade Coelho – Bahia Noticias
