Rio Jogo operator permit approved by Loterj

 House of Bets  Rio Jogo (Lema) is the sixth operator to be licensed by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) to offer sports betting and igaming.
 Certification for Brazilian betting
 Operators are rushing to get licenses in preparation for Brazil's regulated sports betting and igaming market opening; Rio Jogo is the latest to do so, having received clearance in the Loterj accreditation notice.

 Along with PixBet and BestBet, Rio Jogo is the sixth operator that Loterj has authorised.  Seven operators, including Caesars Sportsbook and PNR Tecnologia, are presently undergoing accreditation.

 João Victor de Araújo Souza, chief executive of Rio Jogo, expressed gratitude to Loterj for their efforts in establishing wagering accreditation in Brazil.

 We support the legitimacy of a regulated gaming sector," the CEO stated.  "We have read the contract and understand our obligations; furthermore, we promise that we are well-equipped to complete the project successfully."

 Loterj awards Rio Jogo permit despite opposition from the IBJR
 Just after Rio Jogo got its licence, Loterj said it would be reopening the accreditation window for betting houses.  Beginning on Tuesday, May 14th, the accreditation period will continue for 30 days.

 Loterj accreditation is required to run Loterj's sports betting and igaming operations, which PNR Tecnologia and Lema submitted in April.  The two businesses tested the idea and made sure it complied with Loterj rules.

 The announcement came after BIG Brazil, which is licensed by Caesars Sportsbook, announced its intention to apply for Loterj certification.

 Those who think Loterj is going too far in its pursuit of licencing activities on a national scale have voiced their disapproval.

 An open letter from the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) condemned Loterj's behaviour.  According to the IBJR, Loterj's accreditation of nationwide activities violates federal regulations in a "clear and obvious" way.

 "The acts carried out by Loterj create disorder, raise unnecessary doubts and harm the process of regulating the fixed-odds betting industry in Brazil," said in an IBJR letter.

 The IBJR has solid points, according to André Santa Ritta, an associate lawyer at Pinheiro Neto Advogados.

 According to Santa Ritta, "IBJR does have a point and their arguments make sense" (iGB, email, 26 July 2018).  "I have participated in these discussions personally.  In my opinion, Loterj lacks the authority to provide businesses nationwide operating licenses.