Rio Grande do Norte’s finance secretariat says the state lottery remains on track to begin operations in the first half of 2026. The state is accrediting operators and testing technical systems; forecast and instant games are planned first, with the exact start date still unconfirmed.
The planned launch creates an upcoming state lottery market for operators and payment providers.
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Rio Grande do Norte’s finance secretariat opened accreditation for electronic payment providers serving the state lottery. Applications can be submitted from 24 November to 5 December 2025 under Public Call 002/2025, the secretariat said.
The Rio Grande do Norte Public Prosecutor’s Office filed a direct action of unconstitutionality challenging Bodó’s law establishing the LotSeridó municipal lottery and authorising fixed-odds betting. The office argued that only the federal government can legislate on lottery services and said the municipal framework lacks federal oversight. It cited earlier precautionary asset-seizure measures of up to R$145 million in an investigation into irregular betting operations.
Loto Potiguar signed its first fixed-odds betting permission contract in Rio Grande do Norte, but it will not take effect until the operator pays a R$2m grant fee. The state has set no launch date, and further technical and administrative checks will follow payment, according to state lottery coordinator Jucielly Lima.
Three people investigated in Operation Conto da Sorte agreed on 15 October to pay R$200 mil and forfeit a further R$1.2 milhão, a total of R$1.4 milhão, with the Rio Grande do Norte prosecutor's office, according to SPA Ministério da Fazenda (Brazil). The operation, opened after technical analysis by the SPA, examines suspected illegal gambling via the Lotseridó lottery created by Bodó municipality. Companies linked to the group must show a compliance programme within 180 days.
Three people under investigation in Operation Conto da Sorte agreed on 15 October to pay R$200,000 and to forfeit a further R$1.2m, a total of R$1.4m, under an agreement with the Rio Grande do Norte prosecutor's office, according to a notice from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF). The three admitted involvement in the facts under investigation in the operation, the SPA said.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte (MPRN) filed direct actions of unconstitutionality at the state court challenging laws regulating bets in 17 municipalities. The MPRN argues that the laws encroach on the federal government’s authority over lotteries and fixed-odds betting, and asked for an urgent suspension of the laws.