On Friday, October 31, at The Savoy Hotel in London, a significant forum was held focusing on Brazil’s economic future. The LIDE Brazil-United Kingdom Forum brought together Brazilian leaders and international experts to discuss the potential of casino and gaming regulation as a major driver for economic and social development in Brazil. Among the many topics discussed, the legalization of casinos, bingo, and betting emerged as a cornerstone strategy for national growth.
The push for regulation is less about allowing gaming and more about bringing order to an already thriving market. Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, president of the Loteria do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Loterj), emphasized this point by stating that the challenge is to “organize” the existing multibillion-dollar market that currently operates without oversight. Cançado highlighted that Rio de Janeiro is pioneering a “disruptive model” of gaming regulation with its electronic lottery terminals (VLTs), which have the potential to generate 65,000 direct jobs in the state alone.
He further revealed that, in 2025, Loterj had invested over 40 times more in social and sports projects compared to the period before the regulation of online betting. For Cançado, the real potential of gaming lies not solely in revenue but in its impact on people and communities. His perspective reflects a growing consensus that effective regulation can transform gaming from a contentious issue into a tool for public benefit and economic development.
Susan Bala, founder and CEO of Phoenix Global Technology, added an international perspective by citing examples from the Philippines and Las Vegas. She noted that in these regions, the regulation of gaming has led to substantial social and fiscal benefits. Bala explained that with the help of gaming audit software, tax revenues in the Philippines skyrocketed from $3 million to $90 million monthly within just two years.
Bala also pointed out Brazil’s position as the world’s third-largest online betting market, projected to handle BRL 350 billion by 2030. “Betting is here to stay,” she remarked, suggesting that the real question is how Brazil will manage it. Her comments framed gaming regulation as a governance issue rather than a moral one, presenting a chance to unlock significant investments and jobs.
Senator Irajá Silvestre (PL–TO), rapporteur of Bill 2234/22, advocated for the swift approval of casino legalization. He described this legislative effort as “the biggest challenge” of his political career, urging its passage as part of a “national interest agenda.” The Senator highlighted that Brazil and Indonesia are the only G20 countries yet to legalize physical gaming, with the proposed bill envisaging up to 35 casino resorts across Brazil. This initiative would require investments of BRL 100 billion and is expected to create 1.5 million jobs. Additionally, it could generate annual tax revenues of BRL 22 billion, aiding federal, state, and municipal budgets to support tourism and public security.
Irajá drew a clear distinction between existing “illegal gambling,” which is often controlled by organized crime, and “responsible gaming” under governmental regulation. He emphasized the need for a transition to a regulated environment to ensure the benefits of gaming are widely shared.
Support for legalization also came from João Dória, former Governor of São Paulo and President of Embratur, who has championed the cause since the 1980s despite opposition from religious groups. Dória described gaming legalization as “necessary, good, healthy, and positive.” However, he criticized past endorsements of online bets without adequate regulation, which have favored businesses over citizens. Dória sees the legalization of resort casinos as a catalyst for immediate economic benefits, including close to BRL 7 billion in construction investments, a surge in tourism, and job creation.
Panel discussions at the forum repeatedly highlighted that legalizing gaming within a framework of strong regulation and transparency could significantly boost Brazil’s economy, enhance tourism, and curtail illegal activities. As the proposal awaits Senate approval, Rio de Janeiro serves as a prototype for a regulatory model that many believe could transform Brazil’s entertainment and gaming sectors. In a country seeking new avenues for growth, the London forum underscored that the debate over casinos is now a strategic issue focused on development, opportunity, and responsible governance.
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