GMB - With what expectation does Sirplay arrive to SAGSE and how do they see the show this year?
Bart Esposito - This is the fourth consecutive year that we are here at SAGSE, and it is a fundamental event for us. We could say that Sirplay started in SAGSE its path in Latin America which, with the passage of time, was increasingly successful.
We are introducing our Bluetooth printer, a new product that can be used in physical retail locations, with the ability to transform traditional agencies into mobile betting shops. In particular, that is what we are doing with our strategic partners of the San Luis Lottery.
What is your assessment of this year that is ending and which are Sirplay goals for 2018?
2017 was a very successful year for Sirplay because we affirmed ourselves as the only company, until today, that has two licenses in Latin America, one in Colombia and another in Argentina. Our goal is to work in legal markets and we are seeing that in South America there is a revolution that began with the regulation of online betting in Colombia, while news are expected in Brazil, Peru, Paraguay. I think that the region understood, although with a little delay, the importance of regulating this activity.
During 2017 we affirmed ourselves not only here, in Latin America, but also in the African continent, especially in South Africa. And we are also working in the Asian market. That's why I could certainly say that 2017 was one of Sirplay's most successful years.
Brazil is a market with more than 200 million people, so we have a lot of expectation and interest on it
What expectations does Brazil generate and how are you planning to enter that market?
The work that needs to be done is not yet defined because fundamental issues have to be defined first, but we are analyzing the bills that could be approved in order to be ready by the time the law is approved. We are following the Brazilian market with great attention because we believe it may be the largest in South America and one of the most important in the world.
Brazil is a market with more than 200 million people, so we have a lot of expectation and interest on it. We have not made investments there yet because if the law is not clear and defined, we can not make any investment. In all the countries where we arrived, we worked with local people, installed offices, and hired local staff, because we believe it is important that people that works with our platform must know the mentality of the bettor, in this case of Brazilians. That is fundamental for us. We have done it in all the countries where we settled and it has worked very well. We believe that it is not right that the country where we come to work has to adapt to our platform, but that we adapt our platform to the country. That is the formula of our success.
How do you see the process of legalization in Brazil?
Undoubtedly it was a very slow road that had to overcome several difficulties. Although it is also true that it is not easy to carry out a whole process of regulation of the activity, online game included. That also happened in Europe a few years ago. I think 2018 will surely be the year of Brazil, with a regulation process already finished by mid-year. It is a path that includes political issues and takes a while to process.
What do you think would be the number one product that Sirplay could offer to the Brazilian market?
Undoubtedly sports betting, with football as the biggest attraction. Brazil is a very local market, where if there is a very typical sport there, like beach soccer, it could also work. But without doubts sports betting will be our key product for Brazil.
Source: Exclusive GMB
