The decision prohibits authorizations and concessions from the State Lottery – LOTEP – for establishments that operate lottery activities such as the jogo do bicho (illegal lottery).

The 3rd Panel of the Federal Regional Court of the 5th Region upheld a ruling by the Federal Court of Paraíba prohibiting the practice of the illegal lottery game known as "jogo do bicho" in the state.

According to the decision, the authorizations and concessions granted by the State of Paraíba, through the State Lottery (LOTEP), for the operation of establishments that carry out lottery and illegal gambling activities should not remain in effect.

According to the rapporteur of the case, Judge Carlos Wagner, "authorization for the operation of lotteries and illegal gambling is conditional upon the enactment of an ordinary federal law, given the exclusive competence of the Union to regulate such matters, which is why the unconstitutionality of Paraíba State Law No. 7.416/2003 was declared in the judgment of ADIn No. 3.277/2007."

The action, authored by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF), was judged by the 3rd Panel on November 26th. The case rapporteur decided to close down lottery houses that sell the illegal lottery game known as "jogo do bicho," and the state government's website must publish information stating that all authorizations granted are invalid because the Paraíba state law has been ruled unconstitutional.

The news outlet contacted the State Attorney General, Gilberto Carneiro, for comment on the decision, but the calls went unanswered. ( From G1 PB )