From the city council, it is argued that the initiative is legal despite the questions from the federal government.
Brazil.- The Municipality of Bodó, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, issued an official response to the notification sent by the Ministry of Finance, which questioned the legality of the bidding process for granting licenses to companies dedicated to online betting and lotteries. The Ministry had requested the suspension of the process, arguing that in Brazil only the Union, the States, and the Federal District are authorized to offer bets and distribute prizes.
In its response, the municipal administration of Bodó defended the legality of its initiative and assured that it has followed all the procedures established by the Law No. 14.133/2021, which regulates the rules for tenders and contracts within the Public Administration. The municipality highlighted that its project of the Bodó Municipal Lottery (LOTSERIDÓ) was created in accordance with the principles of the Brazilian Constitution and that there was no formal questioning or challenge during the bidding process.
The creation of the LOTSERIDÓ Lottery began with the approval of the bill in the Chamber of Councils of Bodó, which led to the sanction of the Complementary Law No. 01/2024 on July 3, 2024. After this legislative process, the municipality promulgated Decree No. 11/2024 on September 12, 2024, which regulated the lottery operations, allowing its implementation.
Despite the warnings from the Ministry, the Municipal Administration of Bodó reaffirmed its right to create and manage municipal lotteries within the legal framework established by the Constitution of Brazil. According to the municipality, the federative model on which the country is based guarantees the autonomy of the municipalities to regulate certain services and activities, such as lotteries, without this implying a hierarchy between the Union, the States, and the Municipalities.
The administration of Bodó also highlighted the economic benefits of this initiative, noting that the local lottery will generate revenue without the need to impose new taxes on citizens. According to the official note, for every real collected by the municipality, the Brazilian state will obtain more than five reals, making this collection an important source of income for both the municipality and the Nation.
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Finally, the Municipality of Bodó emphasized its commitment to the oversight and compliance with current regulations, ensuring that the operations of the accredited companies will adhere to the legal criteria established, especially in terms of responsible and legal gambling.
