BIG Brazil Nearing Lottery Accreditation in Rio de Janeiro

BIG Brazil, affiliated with Caesars Sportsbook, has unveiled plans to pursue accreditation with the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), a crucial step towards expanding its operations in Brazil. André Feldman, president of BIG Brazil International Games, recently met with Loterj president Hazenclever Lopes Cançado to express their interest in venturing into sports betting in Brazil under the Caesars brand. Additionally, Feldman sought information on obtaining accreditation from Loterj to offer lottery services in Rio de Janeiro.

Despite the legal complexities surrounding sports betting in Brazil, several companies have been proactive in entering the market. In February 2023, NeoGames and Intralot do Brasil introduced LotoMinas, the first regulated online sports betting and lottery platform for Loteria Mineira in Minas Gerais. Furthermore, Loterj became the pioneer state lottery to issue a tender for sports betting, granting a five-year license to Rede Loto in June 2023.

Brazil's journey towards legalizing sports betting has been characterized by twists and turns. The approval of Bill 3,626/2023 by the chamber of deputies in December 2023 marked a significant milestone in establishing a regulatory framework. However, challenges remain, including the potential ban on celebrity endorsements in betting advertisements proposed in Bill 3,405/2023, which Senator Eduardo Girao advocates for.

This development underscores the evolving landscape of sports betting in Brazil, with industry players navigating regulatory hurdles and seizing opportunities for expansion in this lucrative market.