Brazilian Court Targets Gambling Operator Over Unpaid Winnings

The Brazilian Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories has initiated action against a gambling operator accused of failing to pay a player their winnings. The operator, MCR 73 Investimento LTDA, allegedly owes BRL 169,000 (approximately $30,000) to a customer who claimed they were unable to withdraw their prize after winning while playing the slot game Fortune Tiger.

The court issued a public summons to MCR 73 Investimento LTDA after the company did not respond to complaints from the player or official inquiries regarding the matter. The case was brought to court due to the operator’s lack of communication and transparency. Currently, the court is facing challenges in advancing the case, as it lacks the contact information and physical address for the gambling website.

Judge Recanto das Emas has set a compliance deadline of 20 days for the company to respond to the summons. If MCR 73 Investimento LTDA fails to comply, the court will likely rule in favor of the plaintiff, treating the case as a civil matter.

This situation is not isolated. In another incident, the operator HS do Brasil, which operates the Bet365 brand in Brazil, has been ordered to pay a bettor who had a live wager that the company allegedly refused to honor. In this case, the bettor placed a wager of BRL 1,460 at odds of 1.69 on a game between the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. After the game concluded, HS do Brasil paid out less than the BRL 2,467.40 that was originally due according to the agreed odds.

When questioned about the discrepancy, HS do Brasil cited a pricing error as the reason for the reduced payout. However, Judge Andreza Alves de Souza, who presided over this case, deemed the operator’s argument unsustainable. The court emphasized that the plaintiff is protected under Brazil’s Consumer Protection Code, which holds service providers accountable for ensuring their operations run smoothly and as intended.

The developments in these cases highlight ongoing concerns regarding accountability and transparency within the online gambling industry in Brazil. As legal actions unfold, the outcomes may set important precedents for consumer rights and the regulatory landscape in the country.