EXCLUSIVE: With its beaches and world-famous Carnival, Rio de Janeiro has always been a tourist attraction. Now, some see its potential to become a tropical Las Vegas – once Brazil legalizes casinos, which have been banned since 1946.
iGamingFuturo interviewed Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, President of the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), about this perspective and the challenges to achieving it.
The executive emphasized Rio’s pioneering role in regulating sports betting in Brazil and expressed his desire to see the modernization of gambling regulations, including the casino law, which is about to be approved by the Brazilian Congress.
Jordi Bacardi, iGF Latin America Editor, began by asking Hazenclever:
Could Rio become the Las Vegas of Latin America?
Absolutely. Rio has the potential to become a leading gambling and entertainment hub, not only in Latin America but globally.
Regulated gaming can generate significant opportunities and attract national and international investment to the state.
With clear and secure regulations, it’s possible to stimulate the sector’s growth, protect consumers, and create a sustainable cycle of economic development, reinforcing Rio’s role as an innovative and competitive destination within the entertainment market.
It’s also worth noting that a large portion of the revenue generated by the sector is allocated to social investments.
Since 2021, Loterj has increased its resources dedicated to social projects almost 35-fold, from R$1.3 million to R$45 million (£6.39m/US$8.4m) in 2025 – a growth of 35,600 percent in less than three-years.
These resources have benefited initiatives in sports, culture, and education, generating a direct impact on the community and demonstrating how the gaming sector can become an engine of economic and social development for the state.
What would be needed to make it possible, in terms of infrastructure and federal and state regulation?
Much of what’s needed is already within our reach.
The state of Rio de Janeiro has well-established legal frameworks for the gaming sector, guaranteeing transparency, regulatory compliance, and security for both operators and players. The challenge now is to leverage these regulations, consolidate efficient governance, and move decisively to make Rio a global leader in entertainment and betting.
VLTs have already been authorized. Why are they so important?
VLTs–Video Lottery Terminals, electronic gaming machines operated by the lottery in bars and restaurants–are fundamental because they represent a modern, safe, and regulated form of entertainment, capable of transforming the gaming sector in the state of Rio. They attract not only the local public but also tourists, increasing activity in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and leisure, and contributing to the tourism boom that Rio has experienced in recent years.
Furthermore, VLTs have a significant direct economic impact.
It’s estimated that the regulated sector could generate 65,000 direct formal jobs, create opportunities in technology, services, and operations, and attract both national and international investment. Therefore, they are a key element for the sustainable development of the sector, guaranteeing revenue for states and municipalities, fostering innovation, and consolidating Rio as a global hub for entertainment and gambling.
It all depends on Congress approving the casino bill, right?
The approval of the Casino Bill is undoubtedly a crucial step. After all, it’s a proposal that has been stalled in Congress for decades and now, finally, seems poised to be voted on. The scenario is favorable, with clear market demand and strong investor interest, driven by the regulatory maturity that already exists in the state of Rio.
Senator Irajá’s tireless work as rapporteur for the bill has been fundamental to moving forward responsibly and safely. But it’s important to remember that the law only paves the way: Success will depend on detailed regulations, a well-structured licensing process, and a secure ecosystem for operators, investors, and consumers.
Careful implementation is what will transform Brazil into a world-class betting hub.
What would be the positive impact on tourism?
The impact would be enormous: attracting international visitors, increasing the average length of stay, and growing hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment options.
Furthermore, it would strengthen Brazil’s image as an innovative and safe destination, capable of competing with established markets.
Could the requirement to use PIX be an obstacle for foreigners to bet in Rio?
No, the mandatory PIX does not pose an obstacle for foreigners.
Loterj establishes rules that guarantee security, transparency, and compliance in all transactions, protecting both operators and bettors.
The PIX is an agile, modern, and secure system.
However, for international clients compatible and integrated alternatives can be offered while maintaining practicality and regulatory compliance.
In other words, it’s a matter of technological and operational adaptation, not a barrier for investors or tourists.
