Senator Irajá Silvestre Advocates for Casino Legalization in Brazil

Senator Irajá Silvestre predicts that Brazil’s casino legalization bill (PL 2.234/22) will pass in the Senate by mid-2025. He emphasizes its potential for economic growth and tourism enhancement. Drawing parallels to agribusiness, he discusses the public image challenges faced by both sectors. Despite previous legislative delays due to opposition, he remains optimistic about the bill’s transformative potential for the Brazilian economy.

Senator Irajá Silvestre, rapporteur of the bill to legalize casinos in Brazil (PL 2.234/22), anticipates Senate approval of this measure within the first half of 2025. Speaking at the SBC Summit Rio, he emphasized the potential of this sector to foster job creation, boost the economy, and enhance tourism in Brazil. “This is perhaps one of the biggest positive agendas for the country in 2025, without undermining the other projects that are also about to be voted on,” he stated.

The senator drew parallels between the online gaming market and Brazilian agribusiness, noting that both sectors have faced significant public image challenges. “I think last year was a year where the focus was really on online gaming. And then there were ups and downs, weren’t there? A public image crisis very similar to what Brazilian agriculture went through in the 2000s,” he explained.

Senator Silvestre remarked that Brazilian agribusiness historically overcame its negative image by emphasizing sustainability and compliance with labor laws. “So, making this analogy, it is basically what is happening today in the industry,” he asserted, suggesting that the gaming sector must pursue a similar path to gain public acceptance.

He acknowledged that criticism of the online gaming sector impeded the progress of the casino legalization proposal in the Senate last year, which had been slated for a vote but was postponed due to opposition from certain political factions, particularly from the evangelical senators.

Nevertheless, he expressed optimism regarding the bill’s future, asserting, “I, for my part, am very confident, very hopeful, that we are going to approve this issue, which is an economic agenda and a social agenda. It is not an ideological agenda. It is going to be a transforming project for the Brazilian economy.” He concluded by stating the importance of recognizing the impact of this legislation on tourism in Brazil.

In summary, Senator Irajá Silvestre is advocating for the legalization of casinos in Brazil, highlighting its significant economic potential. He draws parallels between the gaming industry and agribusiness regarding their respective public image challenges. Despite past setbacks in legislative progress, the senator remains hopeful for the bill’s approval in 2025, framing it as crucial for the future of Brazil’s economy and tourism.

Original Source: www.yogonet.com