Stake One of Three Companies Added to Brazil Regulator’s Approved List
Crypto betting giant Stake, Hiper Bet and LBBR have been included on the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets’ (SPA) list of companies approved to continue operating in Brazil during the ongoing transition period.
Normative Ordinance No 1,475 amended regulations so only operators already active in Brazil and that had submitted a license application by the Sep. 30 deadline could operate during the transition period between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31. The full legal market is set to go live on Jan. 1, 2025.
The addition of Stake, Hiper Bet and LBBR takes the total of approved operators to 96, with 213 brands considered legal and therefore able to continue their operations until the end of 2024.
Any operator not on the SPA’s list is now considered illegal and will have their sites blocked by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) from Oct. 11 onwards.
Bet365 Ramps up LatAm Expansion With Peru Launch
Bet365 has officially launched in Peru as part of its continued expansion in Latin America.
Bet365 is already live in the regulated Mexican and Argentinian markets, holding a license for both the province and city of Buenos Aires in the latter. Additionally, the operator has applied for a license in Brazil and is on the list of companies approved to continue doing business during the ongoing transition period.
With its Peru launch, Bet365 is aiming to tap into a newly regulating online sports betting and iGaming market. International brands including Betsson, Rush Street Interactive and Stake.com have already launched in the country.
A Bet365 spokesperson said: “We are delighted to launch a dedicated Bet365 website in Peru, the fourth largest country in the region, known for its vibrant culture and dynamic population.”
Brazil Federal Court Says Loterj Licensees Cannot Operate Nationwide
The Federal Regional Court of the First Region (TRF1) in Rio de Janeiro has ruled operators licensed by the state lottery cannot operate outside of state borders.
TRF1 President João Batista Moreira reversed the effects of a previous court decision that gave operators licensed by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) the right to operate nationwide. Loterj continues to argue its licensees can operate throughout Brazil.
The Federal Court ruling comes after an appeal by the Attorney-General’s Office (AGU) which aimed to reinstate the government’s right to regulate gambling throughout Brazil.
Despite the verdict, Loterj maintains its operations and those of its licensees will not be impacted. Loterj argues that Article 35-A of Law No. 14,790 supports its position, with operators under its license exempt from having to comply with ordinances or injunctions over law.
Esportes da Sorte Owner Secures Rio de Janeiro License
Esportes Gaming Brazil, owner of Esportes da Sorte, has achieved authorization with Loterj to continue its operations, despite not being on the federal regulator’s approved list for the transitional period.
Esportes Gaming Brazil acquired controlling shares in Loterj-licensed ST Soft, allowing them to operate in Rio de Janeiro.
Esportes Gaming Brazil’s brands Esportes da Sorte and Onabet have replaced ST Soft’s rj.apostou.com on the list of Loterj licensees.
However, the Federal Court ruling that states Loterj-licensed operators cannot function outside the state has added legal uncertainty over Esportes Gaming Brazil’s ability to operate nationwide.
EveryMatrix Joins Member of Mexican Gaming Association
iGaming technology company EveryMatrix has joined the Mexican Association for Permit Holders, Operators and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry (AIEJA).
EveryMatrix says its alignment with the trade body demonstrates its commitment to the growing iGaming market in LatAm. The supplier can participate in AIEJA initiatives and gain market insight ahead of further expansion.
It will also help the business to develop its relationships with local brands, partners and regulators.
EveryMatrix Americas president Erik Nyman is excited for the potential of the agreement: “We’re delighted to join AIEJA and its many valued members and I would like to extend my thanks to the organization for their warm welcome.
“Mexico is a country full of potential that blends North American traditional gambling behavior with Latin American influences making it a specific market of interest as we expand our business in the region.”
