According to the Secretary of Economic Development, Ítalo Marcus Borges, Araxá has the hotel infrastructure, safety, and strategic location to attract investors.
Bill 154/2025, authored by Mayor Robson Magela, authorizes the concession to the private sector of “gaming services in a tourist modality.”
Located in the Alto Paranaíba region, the municipality of around 111,000 inhabitants is betting on the reopening of a casino to stimulate tourism and the local economy. The city was once a reference in this type of enterprise when it inaugurated Brazil’s first casino in 1944, at the Grande Hotel Termas.
According to the municipal secretary of Economic Development, Ítalo Marcus Borges, the approval of the project by the councilors demonstrates Araxá's preparation to receive casinos, in accordance with the requirements being processed in the National Congress.
“We have advantages, such as a resort complex and other areas for expansion, which can even serve as an incentive for other ventures. In addition to the location, with easy access to São Paulo and Goiás, Araxá is also considered the safest city in the state and has an HDI above 0.77. This favors the attraction of investments,” he highlighted.
In Borges’ view, the return of a casino in Araxá will promote economic growth across all sectors. “The expectation is that it will boost both commerce and services, including healthcare, security, and education,” he stressed.
Tourism continues to grow
Over the years, Araxá has consistently invested in consolidating itself as a major hub for tourism and business in Minas Gerais.
The municipality currently has 2,700 hotel beds and is expected to inaugurate two more hotels later this year.
Regulations pending Senate approval
Bill (PL) 2,234/2022, which provides authorization for casinos, bingo halls, and similar games, has already been approved by the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) and now moves to the plenary. If approved, regulations will be established for licenses, operating criteria, infrastructure requirements (such as operation alongside resorts or high-standard hotels), social control, among other provisions. An amendment presented in the CCJ foresees the operation of three casinos in Minas Gerais.
Source: GMB
