Caixa Econômica Federal has taken legal action against Unindo Sonhos, a company co-owned by influencer Paulinha Leite, alleging that the platform operates lottery pool services without proper authorization.
The dispute centers on whether private companies can legally intermediate lottery pools tied to Caixa-operated games.
Caixa has also specified suspicions around Leite's multiple lottery wins, most of them related to her company.
This case has returned to the spotlight after Unindo Sonhos promoted organized bets for the biggest lottery draw in the country, Mega-Sena da Virada, at the end of the year, when the jackpot is estimated at around BR1bn ($180m).
In response to the renewed attention, Leite addressed the lawsuit publicly for the first time via a video posted on Instagram.
She said the legal action was not new and dated back two or three years, rejecting claims of irregular activity.
According to Leite, previous court decisions allowed Unindo Sonhos to continue operating:
"The Superior Court understood that my activity at Unindo Sonhos is completely legal and legitimate, and that I am authorized to continue doing what I do, which is lottery pool intermediation."
Caixa, however, disputes that interpretation. The bank argues that Brazilian legislation grants it exclusive authority to operate federal lottery services and that third parties are not permitted to intermediate bets or lottery pools for profit.
In its view, Unindo Sonhos goes beyond facilitation and effectively commercializes lottery pools outside the official system.
Leite maintains that the platform does not sell lottery tickets or conduct draws. She describes the service as a convenience tool that allows players to participate in officially registered pools remotely, without visiting physical lottery outlets.
The company claims it has distributed more than BR32m in prizes over four years of operation.
Brazilian police recently opened an investigation into an alleged attempt to manipulate a professional basketball match
