Brazil Eyes Casino Legalization After London Policy Forum
Top Brazilian government officials and global industry leaders gathered at London’s Savoy Hotel on Friday (31) for the LIDE Brazil–United Kingdom Forum, where the spotlight fell on how casino, bingo and betting regulation could serve as a powerful engine for Brazil’s economic and social development. The forum highlighted investment opportunities between the nations, with gaming legalization framed as a strategic policy priority.
Regulating an Existing Market
Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, president of the Rio de Janeiro state lottery Loterj, argued that the debate is not about “allowing gaming” but about structuring a multibillion-real market that already exists without oversight. He noted Rio’s rollout of electronic lottery terminals (VLTs), predicting they could create up to 65,000 direct jobs in the state.
Cançado added that, following online betting regulation, Loterj increased its contributions to social and sports programs by more than 40-fold in 2025. “The real potential of gaming lies not only in revenue, but in people,” he emphasized, underscoring how transparent oversight can turn gaming into a pillar of public benefit and development.
Global Playbook for Success
Susan Bala, CEO of Phoenix Global Technology, referenced successful international regulatory models, citing the Philippines and Las Vegas as proof that structured oversight can deliver strong social and fiscal returns. She highlighted how the Philippines’ tax revenue surged from $3 million to $90 million per month within two years after implementing gaming audit technology.
Bala stressed that Brazil is already the world’s third-largest online betting market and is expected to reach BRL 350 billion by 2030. “Betting is here to stay. The question is how we manage it,” she said, calling regulation an issue of governance, not morality.
Legislative Push From Brasília
Senator Irajá Silvestre (PL-TO), rapporteur for Bill 2234/22, described the legalization of casinos in integrated resorts, bingo halls and jogo do bicho as the most significant challenge of his political career, urging swift passage in the national interest.
He noted Brazil and Indonesia are the only G20 nations without regulated land-based casinos. The proposed legislation outlines up to 35 integrated casino resorts requiring BRL 100 billion in investment and capable of generating 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Expected annual tax revenue is estimated at BRL 22 billion, benefiting tourism, public security and local governments.
Support From Industry and Tourism Leaders
Former São Paulo Governor and Embratur president João Dória reaffirmed his decades-long support for legal gaming, calling it “necessary and positive.” He criticized the previous green-lighting of online betting absent strong regulation, arguing that comprehensive legalization would immediately fuel billions in investment, tourism growth and job creation.
Looking Ahead
Speakers reiterated that comprehensive gaming regulation built on transparency, oversight, and responsible practices could boost Brazil’s economy, attract tourism, and shrink the illegal market. While federal lawmakers debate the bill, Rio de Janeiro continues piloting frameworks some believe could become a national model.
As the initiative awaits Senate approval, the London forum reinforced a core message: in today’s Brazil, the conversation around gaming has shifted from morality to strategy, rooted in development, investment and responsible governance.
