A year on from Brazil’s regulated online gambling launch, illegal betting remains a significant issue. Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, President of the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), has proposed a taskforce collaboration between state and federal agencies to combat illegal online gambling platforms and support regulated land-based casinos.
Speaking on EsferaCast, Lopes Cançado emphasised the need for unified efforts between state and federal authorities, including the Federal Revenue Service, Federal Police, COAF and the Central Bank, saying: “We need to unite the states and federal agencies… to create a force to combat illegal bookmakers.”
Lopes Cançado pointed to Rio de Janeiro’s regulatory model as a potential blueprint for ensuring gaming platform security. “Ours is a modern, updated model,” he noted, discussing their integration of best practices from mature markets to benefit bettors, the state, and betting houses.
Further advocating for legal changes, Lopes Cançado reiterated his support for the legalisation of casinos, bingo halls and other gambling venues in Brazil, part of the long-stalled Bill 2234/22, currently awaiting a Senate vote.
“We need to bring into the light all the games that persist in operating in obscurity,” he explained.
Loterj’s social impact was also highlighted, with Lopes Cançado revealing a 46-fold increase in lottery resource application to social programs over three years. These funds support daycare centres, anti-violence initiatives and grassroots sports. “Our great differentiator… is the return to society of what is collected,” he declared.
Looking ahead, Loterj plans to introduce video lottery machines in Rio, expected to create 65,000 jobs within two years. A report by Stellar Gaming noted that from January to September 2025, 25m Brazilians participated in regulated betting, contributing to a GGR of R$36bn (€6.1bn) and generating significant tax revenue.
Photo: Loterj
