The State Court of Auditors of Paraná (TCE), in a unanimous decision, has suspended the public call for bids issued by the State Lottery of Paraná (Lottopar) to select companies interested in operating the instant lottery, commonly known as “raspadinha” or scratch-off tickets. The TCE’s ruling comes as a response to the request made by two companies vying for the concession, and was announced today, Thursday, January 25th.
The Loteria do Estado do Paraná is a popular form of gambling in the state, offering residents the opportunity to participate in various games, including the widely enjoyed “raspadinha.” The issuance of this call for bids aimed to engage private enterprises to operate and manage this specific segment of the state lottery, both in physical and virtual formats.
Following the TCE’s decision, the Autarquia, responsible for overseeing the state lottery, expressed its respect for the court’s ruling and stated that it will take the necessary measures to restore the progress of the bidding process. The suspension of the call for bids signifies a halt in the evaluation and selection of potential companies that would have been granted the privilege to oversee the operation of the instant lottery.
The decision to suspend the call for bids was based on the arguments presented by the two companies seeking the concession. These companies put forth claims regarding procedural irregularities and alleged improprieties in the bidding process. In light of these claims, the TCE deemed it appropriate to analyze the matter further and temporarily halt the proceedings until a thorough investigation can be conducted.
While the TCE’s ruling represents a setback for the Loteria do Estado do Paraná and the companies interested in operating the instant lottery, it also underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in such processes. The court’s intervention provides an opportunity for the allegations raised by the companies to be thoroughly examined, ensuring that the bidding process aligns with legal requirements and best practices.
It remains to be seen how the Loteria do Estado do Paraná and the Autarquia will address the concerns raised by the two companies and navigate this temporary setback. The resumption of the bidding process will require a careful review of the procedures and adherence to the TCE’s recommendations to ensure that the selection of the concessionaires is conducted in an impartial and transparent manner.
The suspension of the call for bids serves as a reminder of the significance placed on maintaining integrity and accountability in public procurement processes. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will closely monitor the developments and decisions made by the Loteria do Estado do Paraná and the TCE, with the expectation that the ultimate outcome will prioritize fairness and serve the best interests of the state and its residents.
