Brazil First Licenses Online Lottery Launches

BRAZILIAN PROVINCE CLAIMS IT HAS THE FIRST ONLINE LOTTERY
 
Piauí province licenses LotoShow.com.
 
The Brazilian province of Piauí, situated in the north east of the country, has announced the launch of Brazils first licensed online lottery platform, branded LotoShow.com.
 
The licence is issued by the province, which will also regulate and own the operation in defiance of the national governments current online gambling ban, which is reportedly under reconsideration.
 
Two draw-based games – Super 26 and Bilhete Tradicional – are offered, along with Scrape Show scratch card games
 
The Piaui Secretary of Finance, Rafael Fonteles, told local media Thursday that all bets placed in LotoShow, will go into a single state account.
 
"It is important to note that all the prize, all the money moves in the single state account, which gives more security and transparency," he said, adding that this system would also act as a shield against money laundering.
 
"We are confident that it is the most modern and secure lottery in Brazil," he said, launching LotoShow at its Treasury headquarters in the presence of Governor Wellington Dias.
 
Draws will be broadcast live over the Internet, with five draws per day presently scheduled for the Bilhete Tradicional, and five prizes of varied value per draw with the top prize providing returns of up to 7,000 times the wager.
 
In the Super 26 draws the top prize can be 160 times the wager.
 
Those who wish to play LotoShow must register online, and have access to an online and telephone call centre if they encounter any difficulties. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
 
The funds raised by the state lottery will be allocated to socio-economic development of the Piaui population, especially in culture and sports.  The state Socio-Economic Development Centre will be responsible for planning, monitoring and transparency and the application of resources.