The Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Norte (ALRN) approved this Tuesday (3) the project that institutes the state lottery. The state government estimates annual revenue of up to R$25 million. The amounts collected will be directed to public safety, health and housing.
Governor Fátima Bezerra will receive the approved text for sanction. After her signature, the bill will become law.
The proposal arrived at the House in April and was processed as an urgent matter. The text also establishes the Rio Grande do Norte State Lottery Fund. The State Finance Department (Sefaz) will manage lottery operations.
The Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) provides the legal basis for the initiative. In 2020, the Court ruled that the Union does not hold a monopoly on lottery services. Therefore, states and the Federal District can regulate and operate these activities.
Lottery vote divided parliamentarians
The congressman debated the proposal intensely during the session. The parliamentary majority guaranteed its approval, despite the differences of opinion.
José Dias (PL) and Adjuto Dias (MDB) voted against the bill. Coronel Azevedo (PL) proposed two changes to the text. The first authorizes municipalities to establish their own lotteries. The second suggests adjusting revenue percentages in accordance with federal legislation.
Francisco do PT, the government leader in the Assembly, argued that the initiative will increase state revenues. In addition, it will allow for greater investment in public policies.
How the RN lottery will work
The approved text authorizes different types of games. The lottery will offer numerical, specific and sports predictions. These formats already exist in federal lotteries. In addition, there will be physical and virtual instant modalities, including scratch cards.
The government will allocate R$3 million through special credit. This amount will finance the initial structuring of the lottery.
The law establishes mechanisms to protect the lottery market. Physical and digital tickets will have security systems. The measures will combat fraud and promote responsible gaming practices.
The executive secretary of the State Revenue Service will approve specific lottery plans. These documents will regulate the operation of the games.
Prizes not claimed within 90 days will be automatically reversed. The amounts will be incorporated into the State Lottery Fund.
