During an interview with economist Eduardo Moreira on TV Band’s program, Canal Livre, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad once again argued in favor of regulating land-based gambling in Brazil—such as casinos and bingo halls—and described the Congress’s decision to proceed first with regulating online gambling as a “reversal of priorities.”
“I find it strange, in a way, that virtual gambling has been approved while in-person gambling has not,” said the minister.’
Haddad argued that the already regulated online gambling reaches a massive user base— roughly 30 million unique CPFs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) registered, according to data from the Ministry of Finance—which, according to him, justifies concern about social impacts, such as addiction, and the allocation of part of the revenue to public health policies.
Conversely, he pointed out that in-person games have a different profile: they are not aimed at the general public, but rather at tourism and boosting local economies. According to the minister, casinos and bingo halls operate in a more controlled manner, in strategic locations with potential for tourism, and could boost job-generation, formalize the sector, and combat
illegal practices such as ‘Jogo do Bicho’.
Brazil has a natural affinity for this type of tourism. With proper regulation, in-person gaming could be an important source of revenue and regional development, Haddad concluded.