Brazil applications starting to pick up
Caesars submits proof of concept to Loterj
While applying for a federal license, Caesars has also completed a proof of concept (PoC) for the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) to operate sports betting and igaming in the state.
Caesars’ licensee Big Brazil announced its goal of obtaining Loterj accreditation back in March. Big Brazil president André Feldman visited Loterj president Hazenclever Lopes Cançado to express the company’s interest.
After submitting the PoC to Loterj, Feldman expressed his excitement about Big Brazil’s plans. “We will introduce the Caesars Sportsbook brand into the country through the state of Rio de Janeiro,” Feldman said.
He emphasized that they chose Rio de Janeiro, with its population of over 16 million, because it has more potential than several European countries of similar size, like Belgium, the Czech Republic, Greece, Sweden, and Portugal.
A Loterj license would allow Big Brazil to operate in Rio de Janeiro. However, past companies with Loterj accreditation have been permitted to operate nationally, drawing criticism for Loterj.
In April, the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) criticized Loterj for overstepping its boundaries. “The acts carried out by Loterj create disorder, raise unnecessary doubts, and harm the process of regulating the fixed-odds betting industry in Brazil,” the IBJR stated.
