Loterj Approves License for Rio Jogo Online Casino in Brazil

Casa de Aposta Rio Jogo (Lema) has become the fifth operator to receive a license for sports betting and iGaming from the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj). This milestone comes as the Brazilian market anticipates the launch of regulated sports betting and iGaming sectors.

The licensing process saw Rio Jogo joining an elite group of operators, including PixBet and BestBet, that have already been accredited by Loterj. The regulatory body’s recent approval highlights the industry’s push towards securing necessary licenses before the market’s official opening. Presently, seven additional operators, such as Caesars Sportsbook and PNR Tecnologia, are navigating the accreditation process.

João Victor de Araújo Souza, CEO of Rio Jogo, expressed gratitude towards Loterj for facilitating the accreditation process in Brazil. “We believe in a regulated gaming market and its legality,” he stated. “We are aware of the responsibilities and duties assigned to us in the contract and we affirm that we are fully prepared for the success of the project.”

Rio Jogo is a new online casino that currently offers a wide range of live dealer games to its customers, including the latest titles from top suppliers such as Pragmatic Play, Ezugi, Evolution, 7Mojos and BetGames.

In light of Rio Jogo’s recent licensing, Loterj announced it would reopen the accreditation period for additional betting houses. This new window began on May 14 and will remain open for 30 days. This decision aligns with the efforts of other operators like PNR Tecnologia and Lema, which submitted their documentation for Loterj accreditation in April. These companies have undergone rigorous evaluations to ensure compliance with Loterj’s regulatory standards.

Caesars Sportsbook-licensed BIG Brazil has also expressed its intention to apply for Loterj accreditation, underscoring the growing interest among major players in the Brazilian market. However, this expansion of Loterj’s accreditation activities has not been without controversy.

Loterj’s move to grant licenses for nationwide operations has attracted significant criticism, particularly from the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR). The IBJR has accused Loterj of overstepping its regulatory authority, asserting that the accreditation of operators for nationwide activities violates federal regulations.

In a public statement, the IBJR expressed its disapproval: “The acts carried out by Loterj create disorder, raise unnecessary doubts, and harm the process of regulating the fixed-odds betting industry in Brazil.”

This sentiment is echoed by legal experts such as André Santa Ritta, an associate lawyer at Pinheiro Neto Advogados, who believes that the IBJR’s concerns are legitimate. “IBJR does have a point, and their arguments make sense,” Santa Ritta commented. “I myself have been involved in these discussions. I do not believe Loterj has the legal grounds to allow companies to operate in the entire country.”

As the debate continues, the future of nationwide licensing by Loterj remains uncertain. The regulatory body’s actions have sparked a broader conversation about the legal framework governing Brazil’s burgeoning betting and iGaming market. Despite the criticisms, Loterj continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry, with the recent approval of Rio Jogo exemplifying the complex dynamics at play.

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. May 14, 2024.