Rio Grande do Norte Approves Creation of State Lottery
Rio Grande do Norte, June 5, 2025 — www.zonadeazar.com On Tuesday (June 3), the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Norte approved Bill No. 155/2025, authorizing the creation of the RN State Lottery. The proposal, awaiting the governor’s signature, forecasts annual revenue of up to R$ 25 million.
The state lottery will offer various forms of betting, including numeric, sports, and instant games, both physically and digitally. Oversight and regulation will be handled by the State Revenue Department.
The project allocates R$ 3 million for initial implementation and mandates integrity systems, anti-fraud measures, and responsible gaming initiatives. Unclaimed prizes after 90 days will revert to the State Lottery Fund.
According to government leader Deputy Francisco (PT-RN), the initiative aims to expand the state’s revenue base. “Several states already have their own lotteries. Rio Grande do Norte needs to move in the same direction to address its fiscal challenges,” he stated.
Approved under an urgency regime, the bill also creates the State Lottery Fund, to be managed by the State Department of Finance (Sefaz).
The bill received two amendments: one by Deputy Luiz Eduardo (Solidariedade), removing the requirement for Sefaz’s authorization for municipal lotteries, ensuring local autonomy; and another by Deputy Coronel Azevedo (PL), limiting Sefaz’s exclusive control over how funds are allocated. Deputy Nelter Queiroz (PSDB) also proposed an amendment to allocate part of the revenue to public health.
Despite broad support, some lawmakers criticized the lack of debate in the Finance and Oversight Committee (CFF). Deputies José Dias (PL) and Adjuto Dias (MDB) voted against the bill.
A study by Leme Consultores estimates that local lotteries could generate up to R$ 11.6 billion per year in federal taxes. Decentralizing the licenses could benefit small and medium operators, according to Analome’s legal director, Sofia Signorelli.
Edited by: @_fonta — www.zonadeazar.com