JUE 28 DE MARZO DE 2024 - 05:41hs.
João Jacob Mehl, President of Paraná Turismo

“All the tourism sector agrees with the legalization of casinos in Brazil”

Games Magazine Brasil is producing an exclusive series of interviews with those responsible for tourism in the country’s different states. This time the guest is the president of the government agency Paraná Turismo, João Jacob Mehl, who claims to be in favor of gambling in Brazil because it is already present in the Brazilian society. “We have to do a very strong job to regulate the activity. But I believe our politicians are fighting for it.”

According to Mehl, the casinos would add more value to the tourist spots of Paraná. The state government plans to increase the average visit time in its cities by at least 30% and to target campaigns to receive more international tourists from neighboring or nearby states such as Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.

GMB - What is your position regarding the legalization of casinos in Brazil? What about the rest of gambling?
João Jacob Mehl - I am in favor of legalization because there are already many types of games in Brazil. Maintaining criminalization is a setback. We already have several poker houses, lotteries, jogo do bicho. Gaming is already open in Brazil. It is necessary to create rules and prevent casinos from abroad to take our gamblers out.

Do you believe that casinos could benefit tourism from your state?
No doubt. We have suitable places like Foz do Iguaçu, fantastic hydromineral resorts and places of a higher level than some places abroad that have casinos. It would be another option to bring tourists to Paraná.

In your opinion, should be allowed only resort casinos or do you think there should be physical casinos independent of big hotels?
I think we have to limit. We should not release anywhere because there would be a fight between states, a national, state and even municipal fight. We must have very strict criteria for us to have casinos but not in profusion because otherwise we will have a very big damage.

What cities could the casinos receive?
Our most touristic municipalities. I think the casinos can be an added attraction on the coast and in the west, which is Foz do Iguaçu.

Is your position on casinos shared with the governor? Have you been discussing and analyzing this theme together?
No. This is a matter that is still in the national sphere and now it is no use entering this local discussion. First, we need a national consensus that this will be very positive for the country, and I hope it will happen soon.

Do you know the position of most of your fellow tourism secretaries from other states on the subject of casinos in Brazil?
I think the whole tourism sector agrees with the legalization of casinos, not just the secretaries but all the travel agents, restaurant entrepreneurs, hotels. In general, the tourism industry is in favor of casinos.

Have you been following what happens in the Chambers of Deputies and Senators with the gambling legalization laws? Do you believe there will be news on this topic this year?
I do not believe it will happen this year because it is a very complex and delicate matter. There is not yet a strong convergence to approve in the short term. But we want this, and I hope that this unity of people who are favorable to the liberation of the gaming sector in Brazil will be able to convince the others, especially the religious groups that are against it. For that, we have to do a very strong job. But I believe our politicians are fighting for it.

Source: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil