Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, is emphatically opposed to the idea of bringing legalized gambling back to the country. If it were up to him, even the word “gambling” would most likely be banned. However, he also appears to be more accepting of the democratic process and has stated that the decision isn’t his to make – it’s up to the country’s lawmakers to determine whether or not casinos should once again grace 
the Brazilian landscape.
There has been a lot of talk of allowing legalized gambling in Brazil as the country looks for ways to improve its economic status and attract more tourism, but efforts to advance the subject continue to fizzle. The topic is gathering more supporters across Brazil’s National Congress and a bill has been submitted to allow casinos in integrated resorts, but it has a long way to go.
Bolsonaro made it clear before the presidential elections last year that he wasn’t a fan of casinos and said in a live Facebook chat, “This is unbelievable: Now I am supposedly legalizing casinos in Brazil. Me? No one could believe such nonsense!”
However, the Social Liberal Party politician and former military officer also recognizes that the country’s legislation is in place for a reason – to represent the people. He stated last year, “There is a possibility …that each state will be able to decide [whether or not to allow] gaming. In principle I am against it, but we will look at what would be the best outcome.”
Bolsonaro reiterated that position more recently, responding to legal challenges seeking to overturn national anti-gambling measures as unconstitutional. He said, “Our lawyer has presented his position, but it’s not an obligation. Whether it ultimately stops being illegal or not must be decided by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.”
Senator Roberto Rocha is behind the bill, PL 2648/219, that hopes to reignite the casino space in Brazil. He, as well as others, believe that casinos will offer a valuable tool for increasing tourism and states, “[To boost] tourism, it is important to regulate [this] type of enterprise, which attracts international groups and promotes business and events tourism.”
If casinos are allowed, there’s at least one operator already willing to jump in. Las Vegas Sands made it clear last June that it would consider building a gambling house in the country.
