Araxá prepares for the return of casinos with the approval of a municipal project.

The Araxá City Council approved Bill 154/2025, which regulates the concession of “tourist gaming services” to private initiative. The decision, taken this Wednesday (17), anticipates the voting on the matter in the National Congress. The project, proposed by Mayor Robson Magela, aims to position the Minas Gerais municipality for the possible legalization of casinos in Brazil.

The city, located in the Alto Paranaíba region of Minas Gerais, seeks to revive its historical tradition in the gaming sector. In 1944, Araxá inaugurated the first casino in Brazil at the Grande Hotel Termas, establishing itself as a benchmark in this type of enterprise during that time.

The municipal initiative comes at a strategic moment, following the advancement of Bill 2.234/2022 in the Federal Senate. The proposal, which provides for the authorization of casinos, bingo halls, and similar games in the country, has already received approval from the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) and is awaiting a vote in the plenary.

The municipality is betting on the return of casinos as a way to strengthen its economy and tourism sector. Currently, Araxá's hotel infrastructure has 2.700 beds, with plans to open two more hotels by the end of 2025. The city also hosts 20 tourism events annually, including Expoqueijo, which has significant international reach.

An amendment presented to the CCJ (Committee on Constitution, Justice and Citizenship) foresees the operation of three casinos in Minas Gerais, should the bill be approved by the Senate. The regulations will include criteria for licenses, operation, and infrastructure requirements, such as operating alongside resorts or hotels of a certain standard.

The Municipal Secretary of Economic Development, Ítalo Marcus Borges, highlighted the city's competitive advantages. “We have advantages, such as the resort complex and other areas for expansion, which also serve as an incentive for other ventures. In addition to the location, with easy access to São Paulo and Goiás, Araxá is also considered the safest city in the state and has a Human Development Index (HDI) above 7,7%. This favors the attraction of investments,” he stated.

Borges also pointed out the potential economic benefits of the initiative. "The expectation is that it will boost both commerce and the provision of services, encompassing the areas of health, security, and education," stated the secretary.

The approval of the project by the city councilors of Araxá directly involves the municipal administration and potential private investors who could exploit "gambling services" if the federal legislation is approved.