GMB - First of all, introduce Sirplay to our readers
Bart Esposito - Always ask us about our company and history. We have been in the market for more than 15 years, which is important, but I especially emphasize our platform, adequate and approved in more than 20 countries, which demonstrates our great experience in this sector. To do so, we first visit the countries where there is regulation in search of what they expect from our company, listening and understanding the needs of the operators and what the players want, in order to develop our platform in each jurisdiction. Currently, we are providers to bookmakers and lotteries in these markets.
As an example we have three licenses in South America of the six allowed in the region. We are in the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Argentina, where we are operating with the San Luis Lottery. This is a source of pride because they are important and very demanding and well regulated markets. We also operate in South Africa, Congo, Swaziland, Nigeria and other countries, where we adopt the same philosophy. We offer appropriate tools to each customer, understanding what they need to drive their business.
Are they also working in Europe?
No. We have focused on emerging and fertile markets such as the African and South American continents. The European market is very concentrated, so we did a great study of the world market and opted for Africa and South America
And how do you see the future Brazilian market?
For three years we have been following the Brazilian market very closely and I believe 2018 is the year of Brazil. After the regulation of the Colombian market, I think the time has come for the largest market on the continent. To tell the truth, I do not even define Brazil as a country, but rather as a continent, because of the full potential it has. By our statistics, it will be a very big market and so we are studying closely how the players think and what the operators will need to serve this big market well.
Do you want to set up a business unit in the country?
Of course, yes. Our goal is to develop our own platforms for this market, hire Brazilian professionals and create jobs in the country. That's what we did in Colombia, where all the professionals are from there.
Will Sirplay be present at upcoming gaming events?
No doubt. The first and most important event for us is ICE London, as it attracts business people from all over the world and many regulators. Every year we meet with regulators to always be up to date with what they are discussing to improve the operation in their countries. And this year in particular we have already scheduled some meetings with important operators worldwide. We can not forget that at ICE there will also be professionals from the United States, since it is a country that will probably soon enter the sports betting segment, one of the areas where we have a lot of expertise. At ICE we will present new platforms that we have constantly developed by the very need for renewal in the markets where we operate.
Recently, for example, we developed a scratch card for the San Luis Lottery, which we will show at the fair. We will also present a powerful platform for live betting, which we have just finished developing, which is able to offer a very solid structure, capable of handling 40,000 transactions per second with two million users in the same second.
This new platform is ready for the market for the next 20 years. It's a powerful, forward-looking engine, which is why I invite everyone to visit us to meet Endeavor, the name we've adopted for the new platform inspired by NASA's space shuttle, the most complete engineering work ever created by man. The new product is the most complete engineering work for the gaming industry we have developed. Then we will participate in Fadja, in Colombia, since our operation in that country is becoming quite interesting for Sirplay.
And then, soon, will come the BgC!
Exactly, because we have very good expectations for Brazil. It will be closer to the regulation of the gaming sector in this continent called Brazil. We were this week with Sérgio Jardim, president of Clarion Brasil, with whom we agreed our unconditional support to BgC
What is the evaluation of the Brazilian Gaming Congress?
Unlike trade shows, the BgC attracts entrepreneurs to discuss effervescent themes that will subsidize future gaming legislation and, therefore, is quite interesting for its technical aspects. We have been with the organizers to discuss our participation and once again we will present our tools and knowledge that can serve as a basis for various operations in all segments of gaming to be regulated. We are in Brazil to understand how the government intends to elaborate the certification protocols, since we seek, in all markets where we enter, to act in accordance with all governmental guidelines. We are very attentive to this.
How do you think that can be offered to the Brazilian government technical subsidies that can base decisions on certification protocols?
We are always in contact with GLI - Gaming Laboratories International - one of the most important certification laboratories in the world and they are in contact with the Brazilian government, offering knowledge about protocols for operation, safety and equipment certification. As we are certified by them, we understand how they think and what they offer in terms of technical subsidies to regulators around the world, which makes us sure that Brazil will follow very strict ways and we will be prepared to meet all the requirements that are defined.
How will be the structure of Sirplay in Brazil?
Initially we will have an office with 25 to 30 high-level engineers and technicians before even establishing a law for the sector, which should grow to about 150 professionals to serve the country. That is, they will be very important investments for Sirplay, as we believe in the potential of the Brazilian market. Many operator groups interested in acting in Brazil are already looking for us to know if we are ready to offer them our platforms. Operators want to go hand in hand with us for the success of the Brazilian market and our products will be one of the tools for them to achieve their goals. We are ready for this and to offer very interesting solutions for Brazil. I love this country. I am sure of the success of Sirplay in the local future market, and this will bring me many joys as I will be for a good part of the year here.
Source: GMB Exclusive
