Even after some betting websites obtained a favorable court decision to operate in Rio de Janeiro, the blockade imposed by the Federal Court following a request from Loterj (Lotteries of the State of Rio de Janeiro) continues. Betano‘s website, for example, remains offline, despite the injunction favorable to the company.
Therefore, the bookmaker published an official note on its social networks aimed at customers in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Check out the full statement:
“We regret to inform you that the decision of the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) in response to the action filed by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (LOTERJ) temporarily affected our operation exclusively in the state of Rio de Janeiro, harming our customers by disregarding federal legislation current.
In view of this, BETANO took the appropriate judicial and legal measures, confident that the Judiciary would annul the decision, guaranteeing the transition period, in compliance with federal regulations. On July 19, we obtained a first injunction that obliges LOTERJ not to sanction BETANO, and we remain optimistic that this issue will be resolved quickly, as well as the reestablishment of the platform.
We will keep everyone informed throughout the process. We also reinforce that we are committed to regulating the sector in Brazil, which will come into force from January 1, 2025, and we hope to reestablish the platform as soon as possible.”
Context of the block requested by Loterj in RJ
Last Friday (19), the company obtained a court decision to cancel the blockade imposed by Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency). However, until Wednesday (24), the restriction persisted.
The decision to block the sites was taken by Anatel at the request of Loterj (Rio de Janeiro State Lottery), which seeks to ensure the regulation and supervision of betting in the state.
The decision affected at least 115 companies. The municipality claims that companies must register in the state of Rio and be subject to its inspection.
Loterj based its action on a state decree on betting regulation. The decree predates the federal law that regulates sports betting in Brazil (Law 14,790 of 2023).
But associations of betting companies consider the blocking a violation of legal standards. ANJL (National Association of Games and Lotteries), which represents 17 bookmakers, expressed perplexity with the situation.
Bookmakers need to regularize themselves by December 31, 2024 to obtain the necessary authorizations to operate, according to ANJL.
According to Poder 360, the association also criticized the fact that the blockade was imposed without listening to companies. Therefore, ANJL highlighted that regulation should fall under federal jurisdiction, following a decision by the STF (Supreme Federal Court).
