State lottery bypasses countrywide ban
The state of Piaui in Brazil is the first jurisdiction in the country to inaugurate an online gaming platform with a new lottery called Lotoshow, reports Brazil Business. It’s been billed as the first legal online lottery platform in the country.
Gambling Insider reports that Lotoshow, which allows users to play a scratch card game and two draw-based games, is regulated under Piaui state laws, and bypasses Brazil’s national online gambling ban.
“There’s one big issue with lotteries in Brazil: money laundering,” said Piaui Governor Wellington Dias of the introduction of Lotoshow. “In order to prevent it, revenue will be deposited into a government account, which will make it easier for control bodies to ensure transparency and auditability. The funds will be used to support the development of culture, sports and education.”
The aim is to collect 20 million Brazilian reals (US$6.074 million) per year. “Industry estimates show that 200.000 people place bets through foreign-based internet gambling sites, hence benefiting other economies instead of ours. Lotoshow will be beneficial for the Piaui people, which is a victory for all,” Wellington Dias said.
