A few days ago, the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) presented an official note condemning the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), of exceeding its limits of competence by accrediting sports betting companies and allowing them to operate throughout the national territory.
In a response released on Monday night, April 1st, Loterj contests the IBJR's position and says that the municipality “has taken the lead and already has a legal regulatory framework, unlike the Union, which has not yet regulated the form of exploration of legally established modalities.”
Regarding the mode of operation, Loterj states in the note that “regarding the possibility of States to accredit and define the mode of operation of companies, the Institute itself assumes that the Federal Supreme Court (STF) recognized the competence of the States and the Federal District for the operation of lotteries, characterized as a public service.”
Finally, Loterj reaffirms its understanding that “the sale of Loterj products, within the scope of accreditation for the operation of a public service through the internet, does not exceed the territorial limit of competence of the Authority, especially because, in the case of virtual modality of service, there is no crossing of the state limit, with the activity being entirely concentrated in the territory of Rio de Janeiro.”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
“RESPONSE NOTE ON THE POSITION OF THE BRAZILIAN INSTITUTE OF RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
Rio de Janeiro, April 1, 2024 - The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming is mistaken when it comes to criticism of Loterj, especially regarding the accreditation of online sports betting operations, as the State of Rio took the lead and already has a framework legal regulatory framework, unlike the Union, which has not yet regulated the way in which legally established modalities are explored.
Regarding the possibility of States to accredit and define the way companies operate, the Institute itself assumes that the Federal Supreme Court (STF) recognized the competence of States and the Federal District to operate lotteries, characterized as a public service.
We emphasize that Accreditation Notice No. 01/2023 corrects an outdated concept of operating the lottery service, along the lines of 70 years ago, which was unaccompanied by all political, social, economic, cultural, technological and population changes.
The sale of products from the Lottery of the State of Rio de Janeiro – LOTERJ, within the scope of accreditation for the operation of a public service via the Internet, does not exceed the territorial limit of competence of the Authority, especially since, in the case of a virtual service modality , there is no crossing of the state limit, with the activity being entirely concentrated in the territory of Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro State Lottery – LOTERJ”
Source: GMB
