Survey shows 60% of Brazilian adults support land-based gambling
A recent survey conducted by DataSenado indicates a significant public backing for the legalization of land-based gambling in Brazil, with 60% of the adult population in favor.
On April 22, the DataSenado Research Institute unveiled the results of a comprehensive national survey aimed at evaluating public sentiment towards land-based gambling operations in Brazil. DataSenado operates under the auspices of the Transparency Secretariat of the Federal Senate and focuses on providing critical insights into public opinion.
The legislative proposal, PL 2,234/2022, which seeks to legalize land-based casinos, bingo games, jogo do bicho, and horse racing betting, gained approval from the Justice and Citizenship Committee in June of the previous year.
Despite facing several delays and setbacks, optimism surrounding the bill’s potential Senate vote is growing. Senator Irajá Abreu, the bill’s rapporteur, expressed confidence earlier this month, suggesting significant support exists for its final approval.
This new polling data, based on computer-assisted telephone interviews with 5,039 Brazilian adults aged 16 and older conducted between February 21 and March 1, reinforces Senator Abreu’s optimism regarding public support for land-based gambling legalization.
Among those surveyed, 60% expressed approval for regulating and supervising land-based gambling activities, while 34% opposed the initiative. The remaining 6% were either unsure or chose not to respond.
Economic Advantages of Legalizing Land-Based Gambling in Brazil
The political endorsement for legalizing land-based gambling is primarily driven by anticipated economic benefits.
Some analysts project that the legalization of land-based gambling could generate approximately BRL 20 billion (about £2.6 billion/€3.1 billion/$3.5 billion) annually in revenue.
DataSenado’s survey found that 58% of respondents believe that legalizing land-based gambling would enhance tax revenue, while 22% asserted it would have no impact.
Moreover, 44% of participants anticipated that legalization would lead to increased job opportunities, with prominent international operators such as Hard Rock International already strategizing entry into the Brazilian market.
Alex Pariente, the corporate senior vice president of casino and hotel operations at Hard Rock International, previously stated, “Our focus is on introducing an integrated resort that can significantly bolster the economy due to the scale of the investment involved.
“Constructing an integrated resort as a travel destination could align with governmental objectives aimed at boosting tourism. Additionally, the job creation stemming from this large-scale investment would run into billions of dollars.”
The DataSenado study reveals that over a quarter (26%) of the population would engage in legalized land-based gambling if allowed.
Despite the current ban, public perception indicates that land-based gambling is prevalent in Brazil, with only 25% of respondents believing the existing prohibition effectively curtails the activity.
Formalizing Gambling Activities
The advent of licensed online gambling at the beginning of this year has set a precedent for formalizing land-based gambling activities. Legalization could mitigate negative repercussions associated with gambling, such as addiction and crime linked to illegal operations.
A notable 65% of respondents emphasized the importance of establishing regulations to combat gambling-related crimes, including money laundering, while 17% deemed this essential as well.
However, it is noteworthy that Brazil’s federal police reportedly oppose land-based gambling regulation, citing concerns over potential increases in money laundering activities, as highlighted by CNN Brazil.
When asked about provisions in the bill requiring oversight of gaming machines in casinos to ensure fairness and transparency, 62% of participants responded positively to this aspect of the proposals.
Furthermore, 54% supported the establishment of a national confidential registry for individuals struggling with gambling addictions to limit their access, with 52% advocating for rules aimed at preventing individuals from accumulating debt due to gambling activities.
