Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s largest sportsbook providers, has been granted special authorization to operate nationwide by the Federal Court, despite only having a regional license in Rio de Janeiro from Loterj.
This move is noteworthy in Brazil’s developing regulated gaming market, especially given a prior court judgment against Loterj, Rio de Janeiro’s State Lottery, which prohibits locally registered operators from supplying services outside of the state.
Esportes da Sorte hopes to move beyond its troubled history
The authorization follows a Federal Court of the Federal District injunction that overturned a previous ruling by Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça.
Mendonça concluded that Loterj-licensed operators could not operate outside of Rio de Janeiro, making it illegal for Esportes da Sorte to offer its products and services statewide.
Justice Mendonça’s ruling arose from regulatory worries regarding state-licensed operators extending beyond their authority.
See also:
- KSA Issues Seven Warnings Over Youth-Targeted Ads
- BetRivers introduces RubyPlay in the US market
- Stake Expands in Regulated Markets with MocinoPlay Acquisition
Nonetheless, the Federal Court ruled that such a rejection was unconstitutional, and granted the operator an injunction to operate under license 030/2024 from the Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF).
This judicial triumph is a big step forward in Esportes da Sorte’s efforts to move beyond its problematic past and turn a new leaf. The operator had previously faced significant controversy due to its alleged involvement in money laundering and illegal gaming operations.
Darwin Henrique da Silva Filho, the company’s CEO, was arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
The operator has reiterated its willingness to cooperate with regulators.
Esportes da Sorte applauded the decision, emphasizing its commitment to compliance and responsible gaming. The operator has issued an official statement outlining their perspective on this development.
Esportes da Sorte maintained that it had always followed all legal and normative procedures required by the statute and its corresponding ordinances.
Grupo Esportes da Sorte confirms its commitment to a regulated sector and responsible gaming, with the goal of promoting the country’s economic, social, and cultural development.
Esportes da Sorte Statement
The company stated that it had already paid its licensing fees and will shortly move to its new domain, www.esportesdasorte.bet.br, in complete compliance with Brazil’s current legislation.
The decision also comes as a relief to the company’s well-known partners, including Corinthians and Grêmio, two of Brazil’s most renowned football clubs.
The court’s decision to allow Esportes da Sorte to operate nationally may establish a precedent for other local operators attempting to traverse Brazil’s convoluted regulatory system.
The corporation will most certainly use this opportunity to strengthen its position as a major operator in one of the world’s fastest-growing betting industries.
Join us on all our social channels and groups
Gameongazette is present on: