Esportes da Sorte and Reals Join Brazil’s Approved Operators List

Esportes da Sorte and Reals have been officially added to the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets’ (SPA) approved list of operators in Brazil. This development allows them to continue offering betting services before the regulated market launches in January.

Details on Approval
The approval of Esportes Gaming Brazil, the owner of Esportes da Sorte, and Reals brings the total number of operators authorized for the transition period to 98, while 217 brands are allowed to operate between 1 October and 31 December. Esportes Gaming Brazil secured its place on the list after obtaining a court order. Previously excluded from the SPA register, the operator bolstered its position by acquiring controlling shares in ST Soft, a tech platform licensed by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj).

Legal Context
Loterj is currently involved in a legal battle with the federal government over whether its state licenses can be extended nationwide. This dispute reached the Supreme Federal Court on 14 October, adding complexity to the regulatory landscape.

Operator Investigations
While Esportes Gaming Brazil managed to secure approval, it faces an investigation into allegations of illegal gambling and money laundering linked to its owner. The inquiry forms part of ‘Operation Integration,’ which led to multiple arrests in September. Despite these issues, operators such as VaideBet and Zeroumbet remain excluded from the SPA list. Zeroumbet, however, is pursuing legal action to contest its omission, citing unfair treatment.

Sponsorship Fallout
Esportes da Sorte’s initial exclusion from the SPA list prompted Athletico Paranaense, a prominent Brazilian football club, to suspend its sponsorship deal with the operator. The club has since removed Esportes da Sorte branding from its kits and stadium, seeking clarification regarding the operator’s legal status.

Conversely, Corinthians, another top-tier football team, reaffirmed its partnership with Esportes da Sorte, emphasizing its trust in the operator. However, it also requested further details on the regularization of the company’s operations.

With its inclusion in the approved register, Esportes da Sorte looks to stabilize its position amid ongoing legal scrutiny. The outcomes of the court cases and regulatory developments will likely shape the future landscape of betting sponsorships and operations in Brazil.