Brazil Lotteries: Legal Paths Across States and Federal District

On April 9, 2026, the third day of the BiS SiGMA South America conference in São Paulo included a Fireside Chat called “Lotteries in Brazil: Opportunities Across the 26 States and the Federal District – Legal Overview.” The session explored how Brazil’s lottery sector is changing, focusing on new legal opportunities and their implications for both public agencies and private companies.

Roberto Brasil Fernandes, a well-known lawyer in Lottery Law and author of Direito das Loterias no Brasil, led the discussion. He explained how recent changes in the law have allowed states to run their own lotteries. The most important change was the 2020 ADPF 493 ruling, which confirmed that states can legally operate lotteries. This decision is expected to bring economic and social benefits throughout Brazil.

New opportunities for state lotteries

Brazil’s lottery system has changed a lot, especially now that states can create their own lotteries. Daniel Fernandes, a partner at Brasil Fernandes Advogados, gave a brief history of the lottery system. He pointed out that there are now many more chances for state-run lotteries, especially in areas like sports betting, which could bring in significant money for local governments.

Fernandes also discussed how clear laws and new regulations are enabling private companies to work with states. “The new regulatory framework has generated massive interest among both private and public sectors,” Fernandes explained. “While we see significant growth in this market, the challenge lies in balancing regulation with public interest.”

Economic viability and legal feasibility

The panel talked about how states in Brazil can make the most of lottery opportunities, with both federal and state laws working together. They focused on whether these lotteries can be profitable. Fernandes shared estimates indicating that the lottery sector could generate billions of reais, helping social programs and boosting local economies.

But the panellists also noted that this growth brings challenges. They discussed ongoing debates over how to regulate different types of lotteries and how states will handle contracts and licenses for private companies.

“The key to a thriving lottery market is ensuring a fair balance between business interests and social accountability,” said Fernandes. He also raised concerns about responsible gaming, tax rules, and preventing compulsive gambling.

A regional perspective

In another panel titled “Contemporary Overview of the Lottery Market in Latin America,” Mayra GallucIn another panel called “Contemporary Overview of the Lottery Market in Latin America,” Mayra Gallucci, who leads the Department of Policies and Programs at LOTBA (Buenos Aires City Lottery), spoke about responsible gaming and following regulations. Gallucci, a psychologist who focuses on compulsive gambling, stressed that online gaming agencies in Latin America now have more responsibility certification, and also need to comply, as a condition to operate, with a responsible gaming framework,” said Gallucci. This requirement ensures that operators are held accountable for responsible gaming practices and consumer protection.

​The future of lotteries in Brazil

Looking to the future, the session concluded with a discussion of the broader implications of these new legal frameworks. For both private operators and government agencies, the future of Brazil’s lottery sector looks promising, with opportunities for collaboration and growth in multiple states. As new regulations continue to take shape, there is potential for expansion.

That’s it for this year’s BiS SiGMA South America 2026 summit. Now, the industry looks ahead to the upcoming SiGMA Asia, taking place in Manila from 31 May – 3 June 2026.