The session gathered over 200 participants who raised concerns about responsible gambling and illegal betting. The consultation remains open until March 27.
The ruling upholds STF Justice André Mendonça‘s preliminary injunction, reaffirming that Loterj’s nationwide expansion efforts violate federal regulations.
Seven STF Justices supported Mendonça’s decision. This ruling restricts Loterj and Rio de Janeiro from operating lotteries and electronic gaming beyond their jurisdiction.
Over the attempts of the lottery to license operators on a national scale, the ruling follows months of legal disputes between Loterj and the federal government.
The Supreme Court’s decision aligns with the Attorney General’s Office (AGU). The AGU argued that Loterj’s national accreditation of companies undermines Brazil‘s federative structure. It also disrupts fair competition and infringes on the federal government’s exclusive authority over lotteries.
Challenging the authority to license companies for nationwide betting services, originally, the AGU filed the case on October 11 of the previous year.
With Mendonça’s injunction upheld, Loterj licensees can only offer bets within Rio de Janeiro. Geolocation tracking is required to ensure compliance.
In early February, Loterj officially complied with the Supreme Court’s decision. It suspended all online gambling and lottery services offered outside Rio de Janeiro.
In a separate development, the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance held a virtual public hearing. The session aimed to shape its 2025-2026 regulatory agenda for Brazil’s federal gambling regulator.
The session gathered over 200 participants who raised concerns about responsible gambling and illegal betting. The consultation remains open until March 27.
A final report is set for release on April 4. SPA Secretary Regis Dudena emphasized that feedback will help refine regulatory priorities.
