The possible transfer of lottery operations from Caixa Econômica Federal to a subsidiary has generated concern among bank employees and lottery entrepreneurs.
Discussed internally by Caixa‘s board of directors, this proposal sparked heated debates during a public hearing in the Chamber of Deputies, held last Wednesday (3).
Statements from debate participants
Employees, represented by unions and associations, raised concerns that this measure would facilitate the privatization of lotteries, currently under the exclusivity of Caixa.
Juvandia Moreira, president of the National Confederation of Workers in the Financial Branch of CUT (Contraf-CUT), highlighted the importance of Caixa’s full control over lotteries.
“Part of the proceeds from these games goes towards social programs, education, sport and culture.”
According to her, these resources directly impact programs such as the Student Financing Fund (Fies), benefiting thousands of students across the country.
On the other hand, Ricardo Costa, vice-president of the Brazilian Federation of Lottery Companies (Febralot), suggested a different approach. He proposed increasing Caixa’s participation in the lottery and betting market as a way of modernizing and facing competition.
Warning about the emergence of new competitors, such as state lotteries and sports betting, he highlighted the importance of keeping Caixa active in this segment.
Simone Vicentini, deputy secretary of Prizes and Bets at the Ministry of Finance, clarified that the discussion about the creation of a subsidiary for lotteries has been on the agenda since 2018. And yet, so far no proposal has been formalized.
She minimized concerns about privatization, highlighting that “as it is an exclusive public service of the Union, delegated to Caixa, any exploitation of these lotteries by a serious 100% public subsidiary”.
Details about the Caixa Lotteries hearing
The debate was promoted by the Administration and Public Service Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, based on the initiative of parliamentarians Erika Kokay (PT-DF) and Tadeu Veneri (PT-PR).
Both expressed concern about the possible privatization of Caixa lotteries without authorization from Congress. Furthermore, they suggested that the bank promote a transparent dialogue to clarify the details of the proposal.
The hearing was attended by several representative entities, including the National Federation of Caixa Econômica Federal Staff Associations (Fenae).
The Executive Committee of Caixa Employees (CEE/Caixa) and the Union of Lottery Companies, Commissioners and Consignees of the Federal District and Surrounding Areas (Sindiloterias DF).
