The city of Limeira, located in the state of São Paulo, decided not to proceed with studies on the possible creation of a municipal lottery. The measure was terminated after consensus within the administration on the social and economic impacts that could arise from the project’s implementation.
Studies have been officially closed
The City Hall’s response was forwarded to the City Council, via the Finance Department. The department reported that there were no ongoing administrative proceedings on the matter.
However, the administration ordered preliminary analyses to be carried out after a formal request from the Legislature, but confirmed that such studies had been completed.
According to the municipal administration, the risks associated with implementing a lottery—especially the potential for promoting addiction and the potential social consequences—outweigh the potential financial benefits. Therefore, the proposal was considered closed and will not be included in the current administration’s planned actions.
Other municipal lottery projects in the state of São Paulo
Last month, the City Council of Avaré, also in São Paulo, approved the creation of a municipal lottery. Bill No. 174/2025, proposed by Mayor Roberto de Araújo (Liberal Party), was approved by six votes in favor to five against. The proposal authorizes the municipality to directly operate or grant concessions for the operation of gaming and lotteries, in accordance with federal law.
According to the approved text, the concession will be made through a competitive bidding process, following the rules of Federal Law No. 14,133/2021. The contract may be valid for 20 years, with the possibility of renewal, provided there is public interest.
Furthermore, the funds raised through the operation of the municipal lottery must be applied primarily to areas such as health, education, public safety, social assistance, culture and sports.
Also in July, the Guarulhos City Council approved the creation of a municipal lottery as part of a package of projects submitted by the city government. The proposal revived an initiative from 2021, when the municipality became the first in the country to authorize the implementation of its own lottery.
The main change is in the management model: unlike the previous project, which envisaged direct operation by the City Hall, the new text allows the transfer of the service to private companies.