THE Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Norte (MPRN) filed a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) against the municipal law of Bodó which created the Public Municipal Lottery Service, known as LotSeridó. According to the body, the rule is illegal because it authorizes the exploitation of bets at a local level, a competence that, according to the Federal Constitution, is exclusive to the Union.
“Furthermore, by authorizing lottery modalities provided for in federal law, Bodó’s law established a system without supervision by the Union, which is responsible for regulating and accrediting fixed-odd betting operators through the Ministry of Finance”, informed the MP.
The Attorney General’s Office (PGJ), responsible for the action, argues that there is no local interest that justifies the creation of the municipal service and that betting inspection requires a more comprehensive control system, under the responsibility of the federal government. The MPRN cites the consolidated understanding of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), such as Binding Precedent No. 2 and ADPF 337, which prohibit municipalities from legislating or exploring lotteries.
In parallel with the ADI, this November, the MPRN obtained precautionary measures for the kidnapping, blocking and unavailability of assets worth up to R$145 million, in an investigation into an alleged irregular betting exploitation scheme linked to LotSeridó. The investigation investigates crimes such as money laundering, criminal association, gambling and consumer fraud.
According to the MPRN, companies accredited by LotSeridó moved around R$415 million in just 10 months of operation, according to data from Bodó City Hall itself. Investigations point to the use of “scammers”, shell companies and institutional digital forgery to give the appearance of legality to online betting platforms.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
