Operator News
Brazil – Loterj to grant more licenses amidst growing controversy
By James - 18 April 2024
The State Lottery of Rio de Janeiro (Loterj) has opened a new deadline for betting companies to participate in a new bidding process to obtain a license in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Sports betting houses that wish to operate regularly in the territory of the state have 30 days, starting from April 12, the date of the notice published in the Official Gazette, to begin the certification process. According to the authority, the reason for opening a new notice is high demand.
Via social media Loterj President, Hazenclever Lopes Cançado wrote:
“Due to high demand from national and international companies seeking accreditation, LOTERJ has reopened the deadline for new Betting Houses to operate legally in Rio de Janeiro.
In the last few days, 13 companies have shown interest in accreditation. The Betting Houses Apostou RJ, Bestbet, Marjosports, and Pixbet are already in operation. Nine others are currently undergoing the accreditation process: 1xBet, Caesars Sportsbook, Key Solution Gaming of Bet, Lottoland, Lema, Laguna, PNR, Purple & Green, and SDL Loterias.”
The announcement comes after growing controversy over the granting of sports betting licenses on a state level. On Friday (5th April) Loterj decided not to respond to a request from the Ministry of Finance regarding the issue of offering sports betting outside of state borders. According to local press the issue could as a result end up in Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF).
Loterj has authorized four online betting platforms to operate across Brazil, sparking controversy within the Ministry of Finance, which according to newspaper “Folha de S.Paulo” is reportedly considering legal action against the decision. Crucially Rio de Janeiro has not imposed any geographical restrictions on these licensed sites, enabling them to operate nationwide.
