Esportes da Sorte Gains Nationwide Authorization in Brazil

Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s leading sportsbook operators, has secured an injunction by the Federal Court to operate nationwide. This move marks a significant development in Brazil’s burgeoning regulated gambling market and is especially relevant given a previous court order against Loterj, Rio de Janeiro’s State Lottery, preventing locally licensed operators from offering their services outside the state.

Esportes da Sorte Hopes to Move Beyond Its Troubled History

The authorization comes after a Federal Court of the Federal District injunction overrode an earlier decision by Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça. Mendonça had ruled that operators licensed by Loterj were not allowed to operate outside Rio de Janeiro, thus making it illegal for Esportes da Sorte to offer its products and services nationwide.

Justice Mendonça’s decision stemmed from regulatory concerns about state-licensed operators expanding beyond their jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the Federal Court’s ruling declared such a denial illegal, granting the operator an injunction to operate under license 030/2024 from the Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF).

This legal victory marks a significant milestone in Esportes da Sorte’s ambitions to move beyond its troubled history and open a new leaf. The operator previously faced substantial controversy due to its alleged association with money laundering and unlawful gambling operations. The company’s CEO, Darwin Henrique da Silva Filho, was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation.

The Operator Reiterated Its Willingness to Cooperate with Regulators

Esportes da Sorte welcomed the ruling, underlining its commitment to compliance and responsible gaming. The operator released an official statement outlining its position regarding this development. Esportes da Sorte was adamant that it had always complied with all the legal and normative procedures established by the legislation and its respective ordinances.

Grupo Esportes da Sorte reaffirms its commitment to a regulated sector and responsible gaming, aiming to aid the country’s economic, social, and cultural development.

Esportes da Sorte statement

The company noted it had already paid its licensing fees and would soon transition to its new domain, www.esportesdasorte.bet.br, fully following Brazil’s updated regulations. The ruling also comes as a relief for the company’s high-profile partners, which include Corinthians and Grêmio, two of Brazil’s most popular football clubs. 

The court’s decision to allow Esportes da Sorte to operate nationwide could set a precedent for other local operators seeking to navigate Brazil’s complex regulatory framework. The company will likely leverage this opportunity to bolster its position as a leading operator in one of the world’s fastest-growing betting markets.