Governor Cláudio Castro has signed Decree No. 49,804, establishing new rules for the installation of digital betting machines, such as Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), kiosks, and Smart POS devices, as well as themed lottery venues, including sports bars and “VLT/Sports Bar stores.” The operation will be managed by Loterj, which will grant licenses and oversee the equipment with a focus on security and transparency.
According to the decree, all transactions must be carried out exclusively via Pix, linked to the taxpayer ID number (CPF, for Brazilians) or passport (for foreigners), reinforcing traceability. The use of cash is strictly prohibited, in a clear attempt to distinguish these terminals from traditional slot machines.
Biometric authentication, QR Code scanning, and multifactor identification are mandatory for accessing bets, while terminals must be connected to central monitoring systems and comply with certified international standards.
Although not classified as casinos, these electronic terminals share similarities with slot machines. “VLTs are physical betting devices, similar to slots, but connected to a central lottery system. In this way, VLTs operate as electronic lottery terminals, certified and outside the scope of casinos, which remain illegal,” explains Filipe Senna, partner at Jantalia Advogados and an expert in Gaming and Betting Law.
The proposal also envisions specific environments for these activities. In addition to VLT stores and Sports Bars, non-exclusive establishments may operate terminals as a secondary activity, provided they comply with all legal requirements, such as maintaining constant connection to Loterj’s supervisory system and submitting a prior, approved geographic distribution plan for the machines.
The decree further requires each device to undergo a Proof of Concept (PoC) before going into operation, reinforcing technical control over its use.
Beyond technical oversight, Loterj will lead educational campaigns and enforce strict advertising rules, with special attention to vulnerable groups. The government estimates that the program could generate up to 65,000 jobs and boost tourism, strengthening the lottery sector under a modern and responsible framework.
According to Senna, the Rio de Janeiro model could have national repercussions: “Rio is taking the lead in regulating VLTs and themed venues. This initiative may serve as inspiration for other states, which will observe the practical results in terms of revenue, job creation, and social control over gambling. It is a regulatory laboratory that could pave the way for similar experiences in other regions of the country and should be regarded as a pioneering measure with immense potential.”
With this new regulatory framework, the state takes a decisive step toward updating lottery practices, ensuring legality and security in the market. As the lawyer highlights: “This is not just about legalizing a segment of the economy, but about creating an environment that combines transparency, social control, and responsibility, without opening the door to casino activities, which remain illegal until Congress votes on the bill to legalize the sector,” he concludes.
Source: GMB
