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Since the last four years, there has been substantial growth in the social investment program recorded by the State Lottery of Rio de Janeiro (LOTERJ). From the year 2021 to 2025, this organization was able to improve the investment made in social programs from R$1.3 million to R$45 million, further proving to be a major part of the public institution that contributes to the development of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is connected with the State’s Civil House and is responsible for overseeing lottery games in the municipalities.
Being the organization with a significant role in overseeing the state lottery system within Brazil, LOTERJ is a very crucial institution in ensuring there is reliability in services provided in lotteries. Other than regulation and oversight, this organization is a trendsetter in Brazil in terms of authorizing sports betting houses and online sites for gaming.
A Mission Grounded in Social Responsibility
The mission of the institution, according to the presidency of LOTERJ, extends well beyond the management of finances or the fulfillment of a mission of enforcement. In the view of the president of LOTERJ, Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, the institution looks at the mission of regulation as one of social reinvestment. As the president argues:
“Organizing games is much more than establishing rules. Organizing games is to turn over every penny to society, with passion and responsibility, to invest in people, to invest in children, adolescents, and to build a better future for our communities, for our favelas, and for the cities of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Wherever Loterj is present, there is legal gaming. Wherever Loterj is present, there is responsible gaming. Wherever Loterj is present, there is serious and responsible investment in people’s lives. Wherever Loterj is present, there is social inclusion. Come be with Loterj. Bet on our legit places.”
This approach points out the underlying belief of the organization regarding the translation of revenues into social value.
Direct Support for Vulnerable Communities
LOTERJ distributes 70% of its net profits to projects that target socially vulnerable segments of society in the state. The initiatives are implemented in collaboration with civil society organizations and state institutions to forge partnerships to extend the social policy reach.
One of the initiatives that stands out is its partnership with Rio Solidário, a social organization that is linked to the state. In this partnership, LOTERJ sponsors early childhood education centers that are installed in vulnerable communities. Currently, the initiative assists about 600 children in three locations: Jardim Batan, Cidade de Deus, and Vila do João.
The institution also completely finances the Lar da Mulher, whose purpose is to accommodate and serve women and their children, who may be up to 18 years old and may have been victims of domestic violence. The institution provides individual assistance, sociopedagogic activities, and psychological care.
Regional and International Recognition
In April 2024, LOTERJ was accepted as a Regular Member at the Ibero-American Corporation of State Lotteries and Gambling, known by its acronym CIBELAE. The motion was unanimously approved at a Board of Directors meeting, which was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The event reinforced LOTERJ’s position in the global lottery market.
The purpose or mission of LOTERJ is based on the creation of funds to invest in social, education, health, sports, and cultural projects. The institution’s vision is based on ensuring it is used as a model lottery, being among the best lotteries globally, ensuring it is characterized by high ethical standards, as well as serving as an example through its lotteries.
It does this while being guided by five organizational core values: legality, solidarity, transparency, ethics, and credibility. These sets of values guide all organizational processes from governance to the distribution of finances for social causes.
Transforming Revenue Into Social Value
The results achieved over the past few years have made it possible to assess how transparency, legality, and efficient public management can actually turn financial resources into social outcomes. LOTERJ, through strategic spending, helps those who need it, improves community services, as well as contributes to social development.
Through the increase in its social investment potential, the case of LOTERJ serves to highlight the role of government institutions in ensuring that financial functionality is coupled with social advancement. This serves to fortify its presence not just as a regulator but also as a key player within society.
Source: BNL Data
