Loterj Launches VLT Proof of Concept in Rio de Janeiro
The Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) has formally kicked off a Proof of Concept (PoC) programme for Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), marking a significant regulatory milestone for the state’s gaming sector. The controlled initiative, launched on Monday morning, is designed to test whether VLT operations can function securely and lawfully within Rio de Janeiro’s existing legal framework.
Rather than signalling immediate market rollout, the PoC serves as a tightly supervised evaluation phase. Its purpose is to assess regulatory compliance, operational feasibility, technological resilience and player protection mechanisms before any broader authorisation is considered.
Regulated Equipment in a Supervised Trial
The VLT units undergoing certification are supplied by Clube do Bet, an operator holding a valid licence from Loterj. Throughout the PoC, all hardware and software will remain under constant oversight by Loterj’s technical and compliance teams, ensuring strict adherence to predefined regulatory parameters.
By observing the terminals in live conditions, the regulator aims not only to validate compliance but also to identify areas where current rules may require refinement to better reflect operational realities.
Mandatory Biometric Access Sets New Standard
A defining feature of the PoC is the compulsory use of facial biometric identification for player access. This safeguard, described by Loterj as unprecedented at an international level, ensures that every user is fully identified and that minors are automatically excluded from participation.
The biometric requirement strengthens responsible gaming controls while enhancing traceability across the system, reinforcing accountability for both operators and regulators.
Pix-Only Transactions for Full Traceability
All financial activity within the PoC is restricted to Pix-based payments, using a “Pix on Pix” structure. Cash transactions are not permitted, and every wager and payout must pass through Brazil’s instant payment system.
This approach guarantees full transaction transparency, simplifies audit processes and aligns the trial with modern AML and financial monitoring standards, while also reducing risks associated with anonymous or cash-based play.
QR Codes Enable Public Verification
To further increase transparency, each participating VLT displays a QR code that allows the public to instantly verify whether the terminal is authorised by Loterj. By scanning the code, users and citizens can confirm compliance status in real time.
This feature introduces an element of community oversight, positioning the public as an additional layer of accountability within the regulated gaming environment.
Governance, Responsibility, and Regulatory Evolution
Loterj has described the PoC as a mandatory foundation for any future VLT deployment in the state. Beyond technical testing, the initiative is intended to support the evolution of Rio de Janeiro’s regulatory framework, aligning it with international best practices in responsible gaming, governance and institutional transparency.
According to Loterj president Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, the trial demonstrates how innovation and public interest can advance together.
“The Proof of Concept allows us to evaluate security, control and player protection using rigorous technical criteria. Biometric identification, Pix-only payments and QR code verification collectively represent a new benchmark for legality and transparency in the sector,” he said.
A Blueprint for Regulated VLT Integration
By combining biometric KYC, fully traceable digital payments and citizen-facing oversight tools, Loterj’s PoC positions Rio de Janeiro as a regulatory frontrunner in Brazil. The initiative could ultimately shape how VLTs are integrated into a secure, transparent and responsibly governed gaming ecosystem nationwide.
