The Caixa Econômica Federal, which resumed operating the Exclusive Instant Lottery (Lotex), commonly known as scratch cards, is set to begin distributing the bets in March. The modality had been suspended in 2015, but a decree in August allowed its return. In December, the government authorized an emergency operation.
Caixa's operation will continue until the bidding process for interested companies is opened and completed by the government. The bank's project for the nationwide distribution is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance by the end of January, and the scratch cards will be available in lottery agencies by March.
"Five years ago, only Caixa had a distribution network sufficient for Lotex. As the previous government had given the bidding process to Caixa, it could not participate. We will launch the bidding process for other companies, but we have already released the emergency bidding, with Lotex operated by Caixa for 24 months," said Francisco Manssur, special advisor to the Ministry of Finance.
"Caixa has to start operating scratch cards in March and put the products on the street," revealed Manssur.
The future Secretariat of Prizes and Bets of the ministry will also oversee games operated by Caixa Econômica Federal.
Physical or virtual
Created in 1990, "scratch cards" were tickets that bettors could buy at lottery agencies. By scratching a field—or a set of fields—the bettor instantly knew if they had won a cash prize.
In 2015, the game was suspended following the Ministry of Finance's decision. In the same year, a law created Lotex, redefining the game model.
Only in 2018 did the government regulate the law that instituted Instant Lottery. According to the rules, bets can be made through physical or virtual tickets. Operations need approval from the Ministry of Finance.
During Jair Bolsonaro's government, there were two attempts to privatize the Instant Lottery, but without success.
Source: O Globo Agency
