The push for Brazil to legalise land-based and integrated resorts could be about to redefine the country’s tourism sector.
Fabio Tiberia, Vice President of Brazil at VBet, emphasised that it is a regulatory decision that goes far beyond just adding slot machines to the market, as he urged the government to look closely at the transformations that have occurred in Singapore and Las Vegas.
How can gaming and tourism work hand-in-hand to position Brazil as Latin America’s next entertainment capital?
Brazil is at a decisive moment. We already lead Latin America in culture, sport, music, gastronomy and natural beauty. What we have never done in a structured way is integrate entertainment infrastructure into a long-term national tourism strategy.
Legalising land-based casinos and integrated resorts is not about adding slot machines to the map. It is about building diversified entertainment hubs that combine hospitality, conventions, retail, gastronomy, live events and responsible gaming under a regulated framework.
If we look at global benchmarks like Las Vegas or Singapore, the transformation did not happen because of gambling alone. It happened because integrated resorts became anchors for air routes, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism, luxury retail and international events. Brazil already has the brand power.
Gaming and tourism work hand-in-hand when they are treated as complementary engines. Tourism brings the audience. Gaming increases length of stay and per capita spend. Conventions stabilise seasonality. Retail and entertainment diversify revenue. The result is a stronger tax base and a more resilient local economy.
How significant do you believe Brazil’s push to legalise land-based casinos could be in redefining the tourism appeal in Brazil?
It could be transformative, but only if integrated into a national tourism strategy. Brazil already has global brand power through cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. What is missing is a structured entertainment infrastructure that increases the length of stay and per capita spend.
If land-based casinos are developed as integrated resorts with hospitality, conventions, retail and live events, they can reposition Brazil as a year-round entertainment destination rather than a seasonal one.
What type of regulatory framework are we expecting from the land-based sector?
A credible framework must include strict licensing criteria, capital requirements, AML controls aligned with Central Bank standards, responsible gaming mandates and transparent taxation. Without legal certainty and compliance clarity, serious international capital will hesitate. The framework must balance investor security and public interest.
Could land-based casinos excel Brazil’s tourism sector as the hub of gambling in Latin America?
Potentially yes, but scale alone is not enough. Brazil’s population and tourism volume give it a structural advantage over regional markets. However, competitiveness depends on tax rates, regulatory stability and infrastructure quality. If overregulated or overtaxed, capital will flow elsewhere.
As marketing regulation continues to shift, what role could land-based casinos have in branding exposure for casinos?
Physical presence strengthens legitimacy. Integrated resorts act as brand flagships, hosting events, VIP experiences and MICE tourism. They create tangible visibility that digital platforms alone cannot achieve.
How much of an opportunity is the omni-channel experience set to be for Brazilian operators upon the opening of land-based casinos?
Massive. Seamless integration between online and land-based operations enhances loyalty, data intelligence and lifetime value. Operators who unify CRM, wallet systems and rewards programs will dominate.
How much will safer gambling need to be expanded as a result of the expansion of the land-based sector?
Safer gambling must expand structurally, not symbolically. Land-based casinos require trained staff to detect risk behaviour, visible on-site support, self-exclusion systems integrated with online platforms and cross-channel monitoring. Responsible gaming must become an operational culture, not just compliance. Sustainable growth depends on protecting players and maintaining public trust.
Do you believe there will be any regulatory exclusions for domestic Brazilian residents in the market?
Broad exclusions based purely on residency would likely be ineffective and counterproductive. The real focus should not be on nationality, but on player behaviour and risk exposure. Ludopathy is linked to vulnerability patterns, not citizenship. A modern framework should prioritise behavioural monitoring, early detection systems, mandatory self-exclusion registers, spending limits and on-site intervention protocols.
Protecting players means identifying problematic patterns early and acting decisively, both in land-based and online environments. Inclusion within a regulated system, supported by strong responsible gambling controls, is far safer than pushing domestic players toward unregulated markets where there is no protection, no monitoring and no support for addiction.
How crucial is it that balance is found in the tax rate for land-based casinos, should the sector open up?
It is absolutely crucial. Taxation will determine whether Brazil attracts long-term institutional capital or only short-term speculative operators. Integrated resorts require billions in infrastructure, long payback cycles and sustained reinvestment. If tax rates are excessive, margins compress, reinvestment slows and competitiveness declines compared to other Latin American markets.
Equally important is fiscal stability. Investors can model high taxes. What they cannot model is unpredictability. The government must maintain taxation without changes mid-cycle. Sudden adjustments undermine confidence and increase regulatory risk premiums.
A balanced, stable tax framework generates more sustainable revenue over time than aggressive short-term rates. The objective should be long-term ecosystem growth, job creation and tourism expansion, not immediate fiscal extraction.
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