A decree from Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) published in the Official Gazette authorized the installation of three types of betting equipment in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The measure regulates the use of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), totems, and terminals. The Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), responsible for administering the activity, states that the difference compared to illegal models is “absolute and fundamental.”
Additionally, the company will connect the new equipment to a centralized system with real-time monitoring, which undergoes certification and independent audits.
This way, the system will reward each game sequence that appears on the screen only once. The user’s winning percentage will vary depending on the game chosen.
The regulation will allow the installation of these terminals in various commercial establishments, such as bars and sports bars. To tap into this market, interested companies will need to be licensed by Loterj.
Additionally, they will have to pay a R$5 million grant, valid for five years, and transfer 5% of the revenue collected to the state government. The new betting system is expected to begin operating in 2025.
The system will operate under two main models. In the first, the user purchases a virtual ticket from a series issued by Loterj and discovers the result by processing it in the machine. There will also be dedicated terminals for sports betting in any sport, a practice already common in other states across the country.
Transactions via Pix and betting security
According to the Brazilian Legal Gambling Institute, other states have already successfully regulated the practice. “It’s an electronic version of the tickets that were previously sold on paper. Each accredited company will receive a numbered series from Loterj,” explained the Institute’s president, Magnho José.
“When you press the bet button, the result will be displayed. The bettor will decide how much to bet, with values ranging from R$1 to R$20 on average.”
Therefore, the government announced that the machines will process all betting transactions and prize payments exclusively via Pix. Loterj highlighted that the system incorporates facial biometrics and a QR code for authentication, integrated into the user’s registration.
The state agency also held meetings with the Federal Revenue Service and the Financial Activities Control Council (COAF) to discuss security mechanisms. Consequently, the system will record each bet with time, location, CPF, and amount wagered, ensuring traceability.
What does Loterj say?
In a statement, Loterj stated that the state is making progress by implementing “an innovative control and traceability model.” Technical implementation is expected to begin soon, with accredited entities submitting their equipment to safety requirements.
“Each bet will be recorded (…), making the system fraud-proof and monitored 24 hours a day,” Loterj said. “The authentication system (…) will allow for personalized limits for each player—an essential mechanism for ensuring responsible gaming.”
Loterj also projected significant economic impacts, thus, the president of the autarchy, Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, highlighted on social media that the project could generate up to 65 thousand jobs and strengthen tourism.
“It’s not just a regulation. It’s the consolidation of the largest regulated light rail market in the world. A milestone that brings modernity, safety, responsibility, and creates real opportunities,” he wrote.
