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The city of Olímpia, in the countryside of São Paulo, made a breakthrough and enacted a municipal legislation that conceptualizes games of chance as “public services of major tourist and social relevance,” particularly when conducted in casinos part of luxury resorts. The legislation, signed by Mayor Eugenio Zuliani (União), was released in the municipal Official Gazette on May 14.
By lawmaking in advance of national sanction, Olímpia is positioning itself at the forefront of a revolution in Brazil’s gaming and tourism sectors. The effectiveness of the municipal law is contingent upon the progress of Federal Bill 2.234/2022, which legalizes casinos, bingo, and the well-liked “jogo do bicho” (an unofficial lottery game). This federal bill passed the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee in June last year but still awaits a full plenary vote.
Olímpia’s legislation closely links gambling activities to the city’s thriving tourist industry, which attracts approximately 5 million visitors annually. The city boasts the second-largest hotel chain in the state of São Paulo, offering 35,000 beds in accommodations, and two large water parks, making it a well-liked destination for leisure and entertainment.
The following are a few of the gambling-related services that are discussed in the law:
- Installation and operation of casinos within tourist complexes
- Exploitation of regulated games such as roulette, card games, electronic games, and other forms of entertainment
- Recreational, gastronomic, accommodation, cultural, and entertainment complementary services
Especially, the law opens up the possibility of granting such services to private companies through a public bidding process in the competitive dialogue modality. This opens the door to private investment and development, to stimulate the local economy and transform Olímpia into one of Brazil’s most complete tourist resorts.
Federal Casino Bill Summary
The proposed national bill in the Senate aims at legalizing casinos in tourist areas and recreational facilities such as high-end hotels with a minimum of 100 rooms, resorts, restaurants, and bars. The bill also places limits on the number of casinos per state based on population and territory size.
According to the draft bill, each state and the Federal District may have one casino. São Paulo, nevertheless, may have three casinos, and other states, such as Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Pará, may have two casinos each.
The bill also authorizes casino installations on maritime ships and rivers, establishing the following requirements:
- Up to 10 casinos in maritime ships with at least 50 cabins
- A single casino for rivers of between 1,500 and 2,500 kilometers
- Two casinos for rivers of between 2,500 and 3,500 kilometers
- Three casinos for rivers over 3,500 kilometers
Casinos on vessels can remain anchored in the same location for up to 30 days.
For bingo halls, the rule allows for a hall for every 150,000 people, whereas the “jogo do bicho” would be permitted at a ratio of one to 700,000 people.
Payment Regulations and Enforcement
The federal bill also institutes strict rules on payment methods in gaming establishments. It mandates that payments should be made only through Pix (Brazil’s instant payment system) or debit cards, explicitly prohibiting the use of credit cards. Institutions violating this stipulation may face criminal charges, reflecting the government’s commitment to responsible financial practices in the gaming sector.
Olímpia’s bold step in approving casino legislation indicates the city’s enthusiasm to boost its tourism economy and capitalize on the anticipated federal approval of gambling. By including casinos as part of luxury resorts and offering a full leisure experience, Olímpia is aiming to be a pioneering destination in Brazil’s evolving entertainment landscape.
While the Senate prepares to vote on Federal Bill 2.234/2022, municipalities like Olímpia are building towards a future where controlled gambling is part of the nation’s social and tourism industry—economic opportunity mixed with regulatory oversight and social responsibility.
Source: iGaming Brasil
