The issue of installing land-based betting machines in Rio de Janeiro remains a stalemate. Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) and Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD) have not yet met to discuss the matter.
Last week, Rio’s governor regulated the installation of the equipment. However, the city government banned the equipment in the capital. Later this week, the two chief executives are expected to discuss the matter in a meeting.
Ban on machines by the city hall
On Friday (22), Rio City Hall prohibited the granting of licenses to establishments that use equipment for lottery betting, such as video lottery machines (VLTs).
The ban on the equipment extends to already licensed establishments, such as bars and restaurants. Therefore, in these cases, installing such equipment may result in the establishment’s license being revoked.
According to the city hall, the installation could be considered a misuse of the initial authorization. However, the rule will not be applied to Caixa Econômica Federal lotteries.
The section that addresses this specific issue is quite clear. “The granting of a license permit to establishments that own or use lottery betting equipment, such as kiosks, betting terminals, Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), and Smart POS, is prohibited.” “The installation of the equipment referred to in Article 1 in already licensed establishments will result in the revocation of the license.”
Paes called the state government’s measure “misguided.” He also said that the use of these machines cannot be authorized without broad public debate and clear rules.
However, the city council believes that releasing it without regulation could cause problems for public health and safety, as well as hindering the prevention of gambling addiction.
Decree is specific about the prohibition of betting machines in Rio de Janeiro
“The installation of lottery betting equipment in commercial establishments distorts the originally licensed activity, constituting a diversion of purpose and a substantial change in its social, economic and urban impact,” says an excerpt from the decree.
In a video posted on social media, Mayor Eduardo Paes addressed the issue. “In Rio, we will be cautious, and we will determine that, for now, commercial establishments will continue to be unable to issue operating permits from City Hall if they have gaming machines.”
“I think issues like this need to be discussed in depth and seriously before being defined, because the interests of the population must come before any other interest,” he said.
Given this scenario, Magnho José, president of the Legal Game Institute, says the city’s decision is “wrong.” He says the operation is permitted by federal law.
“Video lotteries are not slot machines and are not prohibited. The decree expressly prohibits slot machines. Laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Finance and the State will act as certifiers and issue a report to the lottery certifying that the equipment meets the requirements for a video lottery. The terminals will have a QR code with the authorizations,” he argued.
