Loterj has been bombarded with accusations that it was exceeding territoriality by allowing sports betting and online gaming companies to operate outside the limits of Rio de Janeiro based on licenses granted by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery.

In addition to the Ministry of Finance, through the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), Lottopar has also joined an action that questions Loterj’s permission for companies to operate throughout Brazil as long as the bettor admits knowing that their bets are being carried out in Rio de Janeiro.

To shield Loterj’s actions within the scope of approvals/certifications, governor Cláudio Castro authorized the State to file a Direct Unconstitutionality Action against the sports betting law (14,790/2023), which limits the activities of betting companies to just one state.

The objective is to gain the consent of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) so that bets approved by Loterj can continue providing services regardless of the location of the bettor, who must agree that the bet is being placed in Rio de Janeiro.

With this, the state government intends to reinforce the legitimacy defended by Loterj itself that, with consent and in accordance with the laws that govern internet operations, they can be carried out regardless of the location of the user, in this case, the bettor.

Furthermore, the governor intends for the STF to overturn the veto on advertising for lotteries that operate outside their territorial limits, so that bets approved by Loterj can continue offering their services anywhere in Brazil.

Source: GMB