Senator Irajá thinks there’s still enough time to advance the controversial bill
Brazil’s casino legalization debate is heating up again, with Senator Irajá expressing renewed confidence that a bill to authorize land-based casinos could pass before the end of the year. The senator, who serves as the rapporteur for the Casinos Bill, met recently with gaming industry representatives at the BiS Brasília summit to discuss progress on the legislation and the potential economic benefits of regulated casinos.
Irajá emphasized that bringing the industry into the legal framework would generate significant tax revenue and jobs while allowing the government to properly oversee gambling operations. He estimated that legal land-based casinos could bring in more than R$20 billion annually and create over 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs across the country. The senator described this as a crucial step in modernizing Brazil’s entertainment and tourism sectors.
He also highlighted that casino legalization would attract foreign visitors, pointing to examples from the United States, Chile, and Uruguay, where gaming expansion has helped double tourist arrivals within a few years. According to Irajá, Brazil’s mix of natural beauty, cultural appeal, and large population makes it an ideal location for integrated resort projects that combine gaming with hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Under the current proposal, casinos would operate as part of integrated resort complexes, with revenue distribution shared among federal, state, and municipal governments. The senator said these funds would be directed toward healthcare, education, and public safety initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of gaming reform reach local communities as well as national programs.
Irajá remains optimistic that lawmakers will recognize the economic opportunity and pass the measure soon. He believes approval in 2025 would set the stage for visible results by 2026, helping Brazil unlock a new era of regulated, responsible, and profitable gaming tourism.
