After meeting with Lula, Febralot demands space in the debate about betting.

The Brazilian Federation of Lottery Companies (Febralot) expressed concern about the absence of representatives from the lottery network at the hearing held this Tuesday by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss the impacts of the fixed-odds betting lottery modality in Brazil.

The meeting brought together representatives from the government, religious organizations, the financial system, industry, commerce, health, and consumer protection. During the hearing, Lula stated that he intends to discuss with his team the adoption of stricter measures for the sector.

Febralot acknowledges the legitimacy of concerns related to indebtedness, excessive advertising, the protection of children and adolescents, and problem gambling. However, the organization understands that a decision of this magnitude needs to be built through broad dialogue, concrete data, and the participation of the segments directly impacted.

“We are not ignoring the problems presented to the president. Concerns about health, household debt, excessive advertising, and the protection of the most vulnerable are legitimate. But any decision needs to be made with balance, responsibility, and the participation of those who know the activity and serve the population daily,” says Ricardo Amado, president of Febralot.

The Federation is demanding a formal place in the upcoming discussions led by the Federal Government. The lottery network comprises more than 13 establishments, is present in over 5 municipalities, and generates approximately 70 direct jobs. These are Brazilian entrepreneurs who invest, pay taxes, maintain identifiable physical structures, and provide essential services to the population.

“Lottery outlets are present where many other institutions often don't reach. We are Brazilian business owners, with a physical address, employees, and responsibility for everything that happens within our establishments. A discussion about the future of betting cannot ignore a network that has reach, experience, and direct contact with millions of citizens,” Amado emphasizes.

Direct participation of lottery agents

For Febralot, lottery business owners should not be seen merely as points of dissemination or ancillary channels for products developed by third parties. The network needs to be guaranteed the right to participate, under economically sustainable conditions, in the in-person and digital models that may be authorized for the operation of fixed-odds betting.

This participation can occur through different regulatory and commercial structures, including through proprietary or collective solutions developed for the category, always in accordance with the legislation, the required authorizations, and the mechanisms for monitoring and protecting the bettor.

“Lottery retailers don’t want to be just a showcase or a conduit. We want to actively participate in the activity, generate revenue for our establishments, and contribute to building a safe and responsible offering. The network has the capacity, experience, and national presence to assume this leading role within the rules established by the State,” declares the president of Febralot.

The organization believes that modernizing the network depends on creating new revenue streams and integrating it into the digital environment. Therefore, any models for operating this type of lottery should recognize the economic value of the lottery channel, ensure adequate remuneration for business owners, and allow for their real participation in the operation and results.

“It’s not about defending a specific project, company, or operator. Febralot defends lottery business owners and the category’s right to participate in the new opportunities created by market evolution. We need to build alternatives that strengthen establishments, preserve jobs, and guarantee sustainability for the network,” emphasizes Ricardo Amado.

Regulation and responsibility

The Ministry of Finance has included in its 2026-2027 Regulatory Agenda the development of rules for the operation of fixed-odds betting through physical terminals. For Febralot, this discussion cannot move forward without the effective participation of business owners who are familiar with the reality of in-person service and will be directly impacted by decisions regarding this channel.

“If regulatory planning foresees betting through physical terminals, lottery retailers need to be at the table from the beginning. It wouldn't be reasonable to define the future of the in-person channel without listening to the business owners who have experience, structure, controls, and daily relationships with consumers,” Amado points out.

The Federation also considers it essential to differentiate between authorized and regulated operators and clandestine platforms that operate without a license, without paying taxes, and without observing Brazilian consumer protection rules.

“We cannot treat those who operate within the law and those who operate clandestinely in the same way. Indiscriminate measures can weaken the regulated environment and push even more consumers towards illegal platforms, over which the State has no control,” he says.

According to the organization, the lottery network can directly contribute to a national responsible gambling policy through in-person service, consumer guidance, educational campaigns, access control, identification of risky behaviors, and referrals to support channels.

“We want to generate new revenue, but responsibly. The activity needs to protect the consumer, prevent access by minors, combat abusive practices, and offer tools to prevent problem gambling. The economic sustainability of the network must go hand in hand with its social responsibility,” adds the president.

Febralot advocates for a policy that combines rigorous oversight, effective combat against the illegal market, protection for vulnerable groups, legal security, and the participation of lottery business owners in the economic opportunities arising from regulation.

The Federation makes itself available to the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Finance, the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, the National Congress, and other competent bodies to present proposals and collaborate in building a balanced model.

“Lottery operators don’t want to be left out of this discussion. We want to be part of the solution and participate in the activity in a legal, regulated, economically sustainable, and socially responsible manner. Any decision about the future of betting in Brazil must consider a network formed by thousands of national entrepreneurs and present in the daily lives of millions of Brazilians,” concludes Ricardo Amado.