Government of MS reopens Lotesul tender after 7 months

THE government of Mato Grosso do Sul republished the notice to hire the company responsible for operating Lotesul, a state lottery created to increase public revenue. The new event, with estimated revenue of R$51.4 million, was launched two months after the State requested the archiving of the case at the Court of Auditors (TCE-MS)which had pointed out irregularities in the first notice, published in March.

THE new notice provides for the implementation and operation of the technological platform that will control lottery activities. The session to present the proposals is scheduled for December 15th. One of the main changes is the reduction in the minimum percentage of transfers to the State, which fell from 16.17% to 14.33% of gross revenue. According to the government, the adjustment seeks to ensure greater competitiveness.

In its justifications, the state Executive highlights that Lotesul aims to generate resources for public actions and services, based on studies that indicate revenue potential equivalent to 0.85% of the state’s GDP. The winning company must develop and continually update the management platform, delivering the source code and exclusive information to the government at the end of the contract.

The reopening of competition for the creation of Lotesul occurs amid a dispute between interest groups in the state.

The previous shelving of the process had been a reaction to the TCE’s audit conclusions, which highlighted clauses restricting competitiveness and the risk of private monopoly of up to 35 years. The accusations came from Jamil Name Filho, arrested in Operation Omertà; from the company Criativa Technology Ltda., linked to deputy Neno Razuk (PL); and an anonymous complaint.

Criativa Technology, based in Dourados and target of Operation Successione, even approached the Court of Justice (TJMS) with a writ of mandamus to suspend the bidding. The costs of the process were paid via Pix by former deputy Roberto Razuk, according to court records.

With the new notice, the government is trying to revive the Lotesul project amid legal questions and suspicions of political interference, seeking to enable a system of state lotteries under greater control and supervision.