In an exciting new development for Brazil’s gaming sector, Rio Jogo has successfully secured approval from the State Lottery of Rio de Janeiro (Loterj) as the gaming market in Brazil edges ever closer to full regulatory oversight. This advance follows the issuance of an accreditation notice by Loterj, signifying a positive momentum in the burgeoning industry ahead of its official launch.
As Rio Jogo garners this pivotal license, it joins the ranks of four other operators who have already received Loterj’s nod, including the likes of PixBet and BestBet. The accreditation parade doesn’t stop there; seven additional companies are navigating through the process, a list that features prominent names like Caesars Sportsbook and PNR Tecnologia.
Passionate about the future of regulated gaming, Rio Jogo’s chief executive, João Victor de Araújo Souza, expressed his gratitude towards Loterj for its decisive role in paving the way for wagering accreditation in Brazil. Emphasizing the core principles of regulated markets, Souza highlighted his company’s readiness to fulfill the contract’s mandates, expressing his optimism for the project’s success. He stands by the belief that legality and a regulated ecosystem are critical for the gaming industry’s growth and sustainability.
In light of Rio Jogo’s successful licensing, Loterj has opted to further support the industry’s expansion by announcing the reopening of the accreditation period dedicated to betting establishments. Envisioning broader participation, this renewed window of opportunity will remain open for a duration of 30 days, beginning from a Tuesday in mid-May, signalling Loterj’s welcoming stance towards aspiring market entrants.
The groundwork for this licensing momentum was laid when companies like PNR Tecnologia and Lema took proactive steps back in April by submitting their accreditation documentation to Loterj. Their submitted plans underwent a ‘proof of concept’ phase and were scrupulously examined for compliance with Loterj’s established regulations. This process was essential for affirming their capabilities and readiness to participate in Brazil’s regulated gaming landscape. Similarly, announcements from BIG Brazil, with a license from Caesars Sportsbook, indicated their intent to join the Loterj-accredited lineup.
Concurrently, the actions of Loterj have not been free from controversy as debates arise regarding the jurisdiction of licensing. The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has been a vocal critic of Loterj’s attempts to grant licenses that would have a nationwide scope. In their view, Loterj’s accrediting of operations beyond its state borders contravenes federal regulations. This has been articulated by the IBJR as an issue that stirs confusion, potentially disrupts the regulating process of the fixed-odds betting industry within Brazil, and, ultimately, could lead to legal complications.
Supporting the skepticism echoed by the IBJR, André Santa Ritta, an associate lawyer at Pinheiro Neto Advogados, concurs that the institute’s concerns carry weight. According to Santa Ritta’s communication with iGB, he too is embroiled in these discussions and is of the opinion that Loterj may lack the legal foundation to sanction companies for nationwide operations.
This legal discourse highlights the complexities of establishing a regulated betting framework in a country that is simultaneously navigating federal and state-level regulatory considerations. As Rio Jogo celebrates its newly-minted operator license and looks to make its mark in Brazil’s gaming industry, the broader narrative of regulatory consensus remains an ongoing conversation. What is clear is that despite these legal challenges, the desire to forge a structured and lawful betting environment in Brazil remains undeterred.
