Finance Minister of Brazil Urges Action for Casino Legalization
Brazil's Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, has called on lawmakers to advance legislation for land-based casinos and bingo halls, arguing that the delay in passing such legislation is causing the country to miss opportunities.
Haddad's comments come as a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize the passage of legislation for brick-and-mortar gaming establishments, as he believes they could support job creation, expand Brazil's tourism industry, and build on the record-breaking number of international visitors the country recently received.
The Senate postponed a vote on casinos and bingo halls in July, but Haddad remains optimistic about the potential benefits of land-based casinos, emphasizing that they would mainly boost tourism, not everyday gambling, in Brazil.
The minister also highlighted the success of the online betting sector, which has exploded since the new regulatory framework took effect in January 2025. In the first half of 2025, the online betting market generated BR17.4 billion ($3.22 billion) in gross gaming revenue. However, Haddad finds it strange that virtual gaming is approved but not land-based gaming.
Haddad also explained that the mass-market nature of online play necessitates the allocation of tax revenue for healthcare. Indeed, tax revenue from the online betting sector has already been earmarked for healthcare. The minister underscores the missed potential if casinos remain blocked, as they could provide additional revenue for public services, particularly healthcare.
The Brazilian Senate originally planned to vote on land-based casinos and bingo halls in August 2022, but the vote was postponed. Haddad described the delay as an "inversion of priorities." He contrasts the limited appeal of casinos with the booming online betting sector, suggesting that the potential benefits of land-based casinos, such as increased tourism, are being overlooked by the focus on online betting.
In six months, more than 17.7 million Brazilians placed wagers in the online betting market. Haddad believes that land-based casinos could attract even more tourists, further boosting the country's economy.
As the debate over land-based casinos and bingo halls continues, Haddad's comments serve as a reminder of the potential economic and tourism benefits that could be realised if legislation is passed.
