Why are the casinos closed on the cruise ships at COP30?

Two cruise ships are docked at the Outeiro river port in Belém, Pará, providing more accommodation for COP30. The ships offer all kinds of leisure activities, such as bars, restaurants, and swimming pools. One attraction, however, remains closed due to Brazilian law: the casinos, according to a report by Folha/UOL reproduced by MSN.

The prohibition is an old one. In 1946, Decree-Law No. 9.215 mandated the closure of casinos in Brazil and banned gambling anywhere in the country.

The rule extends to docked ships. According to current legal interpretation, a vessel anchored in a Brazilian port is within national jurisdiction, which prohibits the operation of betting parlors on board.

Operation is only permitted on the high seas. When cruise ships sail outside of Brazil's sovereign area, they become governed by the laws of the flag state, allowing the reopening of casinos during the voyage.

The legislation has never been relaxed. Despite recurring discussions in Congress, such as Bill 2.234 of 2022, no current regulation authorizes physical casinos—whether on land or on vessels in Brazilian waters.

The impact is directly on the ships participating in COP30. Because they are docked and operating as floating hotels during the event, the cruise ships must fully comply with Brazilian law, keeping the gaming areas closed until they leave the port of Belém.

Ships were the solution for increasing the number of beds.

Vessels were chartered by the federal government. The measure was a temporary solution to increase the availability of accommodations during the event, which takes place between November 10 and 21, 2025.

With a capacity of up to 6.000 beds distributed across approximately 3.900 cabins, the MSC Seaview and Costa Diadema cruise ships are docked at the Outeiro Port Terminal. The site has undergone revitalization works.

The trip between the terminal and downtown Belém takes approximately 30 minutes. The port also gained a new bridge to facilitate travel to the official conference venues.

These two large ships will add to the diverse accommodation solutions aimed at all audiences attending COP30 – such as UN delegations, observers, social organizations, academia, and businesses. Valter Correia, Extraordinary Secretary for COP30.