Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Loterj Secures Legal Protection to Safeguard Betting Houses

Brazil – October 03, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com Federal Judge Antônio Cláudio Macedo da Silva issued an injunction in favor of the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), preventing the blocking or banning of advertising for sports betting houses authorized by the municipality.

Loterj took legal action against the Union, which sought to prevent these betting houses from operating throughout Brazil.

Loterj argued that the Union does not have the right to block sports betting sites authorized in Rio de Janeiro, even if they operate nationally.

The judge’s decision was based on the validity of the arguments presented by the municipality, which emphasized the legitimacy of the authorized companies.

Loterj’s legal action was in response to Ordinances 1,225, 1,231, and 1,475 from the Ministry of Finance, which aimed to restrict advertising and fast-track the blocking of betting sites as of October 1.

Loterj argued that these measures violate state regulations and the rights of companies authorized to operate in Rio de Janeiro.

In its arguments, Loterj pointed out that the Union cannot override state regulations, citing § 8 of Article 35-A of Law No. 13,756/2018 and Article 170 of the 1988 Federal Constitution. Additionally, it highlighted that the retroactive application of the law contradicts Article 3 of Complementary Law No. 116/2003.

Loterj secures legal protection for betting houses

The judge issued an injunction, suspending the effects of the Ministry of Finance’s orders. The decision grants Loterj and its accredited companies the right to explore fixed-odds betting online.

The ruling also validates online bets made within the territory of Rio de Janeiro for all legal and tax purposes, without the need for accreditation with the Union.

This decision represents a victory for Loterj and the sports betting houses authorized by the authority, as it protects these companies from the restrictions imposed by the Federal Government, allowing them to continue their operations and advertising.

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com