This Thursday (23), the Paraná State Attorney’s Office notified the Federal Supreme Court (STF) that the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) is not complying with the injunction issued by Minister André Mendonça.
This injunction suspends the national operation of betting companies linked to the Rio de Janeiro lottery. In response to non-compliance, Paraná suggests applying a daily fine of R$50,000.
Arguments by the Paraná Attorney General’s Office against Loterj
The document presented highlights that Loterj justified the non-implementation of the decision due to difficulties with the geolocation of bettors.
The State of Paraná challenged the claim that Lottopar cannot control virtual betting outside its territory. Additionally, Paraná, as amicus curiae, highlighted that Loterj received the court order on January 2nd, but did not meet the stipulated deadline until January 9th.
The document also emphasizes that, so far, more than 14 days have passed, and Loterj has not yet taken measures to comply with the injunction. For the Paraná entity, this situation clearly represents disrespect for the court.
“Therefore, the allegation of technical difficulties in implementing these mechanisms is unfounded, being completely incompatible with practical reality and the technological resources currently available”, says the text.
Furthermore, the report continues, considering the justifications presented as a way of “gaining time and postponing compliance with the court decision”.
In the current scenario, André Mendonça’s injunction establishes restrictions; therefore, companies accredited by Loterj are prevented from operating outside the limits of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
The STF’s virtual plenary will review the in-depth discussion of this legal context between February 14 and 21, 2025. Previously, Loterj tried to appeal the decision that the STF took; however, the appeal was denied.
