GMB - What is the importance of this moment after approval of PM 846/2018 for Brazil and what are the next steps for the modality to be successful in the country?
Luiz Felipe Maia - It is important for the theme to be discussed with a little more maturity. It is no longer a question of whether Brazil should have sports betting or not; but which model is the best regulation, which best practices, which models serve as a good example or a bad one so that Brazil can through its regulator learn from the mistakes and successes of other countries.
What are your expectations regarding the chances of legalizing gaming in this political moment, with new government and congress, which will start in Brazil from 2019?
It is still very difficult to predict. We have two opposing elements. On the one hand, liberal economic speech and on the other a conservatism with respect to customs. We have to see what will prevail in the conflict of these two characteristics.
Which gaming modalities do you believe that are most likely to be legalized during Jair Bolsonaro's administration?
Personally, I am quite optimistic about the regulation of sports betting. I think it will not take the four years that the law allows. This will arrive faster. I also believe in the legalization of casinos; and there is a discussion about which models would be most appropriate for Brazil. I think we should reach the end of President Bolsonaro's first term with sports betting and casinos operating in Brazil.
You attende the OGS Brazil that took place earlier this month in São Paulo. What can you mention about the event at this moment of changes related with sports betting and online gaming in Brazil?
The timing of the event could not be better. With the approval of PM 846/2018, the issue of sports betting, especially online, becomes the hot topic right now. The event was very successful in terms of team and the proof of this is that it was always crowded.
Source: Exclusive GMB
