Caixa Set to Revive Brazil’s Beloved ‘Scratch Card’ Lottery in March

Reviving a National Favorite: Caixa’s March Relaunch of Lotex Scratch Cards

The Comeback of Brazil’s Instant Lottery

Caixa Econômica Federal is set to rekindle the spark of Brazil’s beloved Exclusive Instant Lottery (Lotex), commonly known as the scratch card. This much-anticipated revival, guided by the Ministry of Finance, is slated for March, marking a significant milestone in Brazil’s gambling landscape.

Journey Back to the Spotlight

The return to operation comes after a hiatus since 2015, with the Brazilian government issuing a decree in August to resume the game under Caixa’s management. With the distribution network ready, the public eagerly awaits the scratch cards’ return in March, following the submission of Caixa’s comprehensive national distribution plan to the Ministry of Finance by January’s end.

Emergency Measures and Transparent Bidding

An emergency operation, authorized last December, paves the way for Caixa to manage Lotex temporarily, ensuring a seamless transition until a formal bidding process for interested companies is completed. Francisco Manssur, special advisor to the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the urgent notice allowing Caixa to operate Lotex for 24 months as a provisional measure.

“We’re committed to ensuring that Caixa delivers a smooth rollout of the scratch cards in March, bringing this much-loved game back to the streets,” Manssur explained to the Globe. Concurrently, preparations for future tenders are underway, with the Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance set to supervise Caixa’s game operations.

A Storied Past and Renewed Future

Introduced in 1990, the scratch card has been a popular fixture in Brazil, offering instant cash prizes upon scratching off specific fields. However, the game faced suspension in 2015, leading to a redefinition in 2018 to accommodate both physical and virtual tickets, subject to the Ministry’s approval.

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to privatize Loteria Instantânea during Jair Bolsonaro’s administration, the operation remained with Caixa Econômica Federal. As Brazil eagerly anticipates the revival of this cherished game, Caixa’s March relaunch of the scratch card lottery is poised to bring excitement and instant wins back to lottery enthusiasts across the nation.