GMB - Tell us first, as an introduction, about LeoVegas. What products and services do you offer to the gaming industry and in which markets do you currently operate?
Thomas Carvalhaes - The LeoVegas group goes far beyond the LeoVegas brand, another very important and integral part is the Royal Panda brand; and also other brands operating in the UK market, properly regulated and following local law. LeoVegas is proud to be one of the most serious and recognized companies in the gambling industry worldwide. It is a publicly traded Swedish company with shares on the Stockholm, Sweden stock exchange. This demonstrates that we truly are a transparent company committed to the future and progress of each country where we operate. In addition, our license to operate as a bookmaker is granted and regulated by the respected MGA (Malta Gaming Authority); one of the most prestigious regulators among operators, affiliates and customers worldwide.
How is LeoVegas arrival to Brazil? How long have you been working to enter the country and what is the product offering to the local market?
LeoVegas has been expecting to enter the Brazilian market for at least 5 years. Brazil has always been widely spoken and commented for being one of the most potential markets in the world. The Leo Vegas group takes matters such as regulation and compliance very seriously and is one of the leaders in compliance in the European market. We have a great expectation that the rules and guidelines for acting in Brazil will be established quickly and practically, bringing the game in general to the margin of legality in a commercially competitive and favorable environment for all; generating revenue and progress for the country. Knowing that Brazil is the country of football, we can expect a very strong bond between the group LeoVegas and the country's football.
How were the launched products received by Brazilian customers? Has the company developed anything specific thinking on the characteristics of the local player?
At this time, the position of the LeoVegas group is to contribute to a greater maturity of the Brazilian market as a whole. Actively participating in discussions around compliance, responsible gaming and operator responsibilities. Obviously, we have a very specific planning for the Brazilian market, but we understand that the moment is to cooperate with the government agencies, as well as with the other bookmakers, so that the market becomes the best, the most fair one and as commercially open as possible that Brazil can offer. This will surely benefit everyone from direct customer through regulatory agency to competent authorities.
What are your expectations for the company in Brazil? How important is this market for LeoVegas and the international gaming market?
Expectations are the best possible. As mentioned in the previous question, it is past time for Brazil to stop being potential and translate opportunities into reality. The LeoVegas group has treated the Brazilian market as one of the priorities, and the expectation at the moment is to continue collaborating with the competent authorities in search of a serious, mature and fair market for all.
How do you imagine LeoVegas working in the context of a legalized Brazilian market? Will there be a team based in the country?
LeoVegas will always be committed to entering each market as responsibly and competitively as possible. We know about the importance and potential of the gaming industry in Brazil: Currency Generation, Economy Turnover, Criminal Activity Reduction, Job and Income Generation, and more. Everything will depend a lot on the direction that will be the eventual regulation of the gaming market in Brazil.
What other countries are you looking at when entering Latin America? Does LeoVegas have a clear expansion strategy in Latin America?
The LeoVegas group is always on the lookout for new opportunities. We have a very competent business expansion team, which together with the very competent legal advice and compliance team, determine what the next markets to consider as potential investments for the group. As mentioned in the previous question, we have an entire business and investment expansion plan in the most diverse countries in Latin America. It is up to each country to act quickly, defining the rules of the gaming sector.
How has your experience been so far working in Latin America? Which countries do you see most advanced in the online gaming industry and which are moving slowly?
We certainly have the most diverse examples in Latin America. It is very important to see each country as a distinct market with unique opportunities and challenges. We have in Colombia an example of how it is possible for a Latin American country to formulate and effectively manage a regulatory model. We have in Mexico a not so pleasant model of regulation that, in my view, encourages illegality rather than formality. We have in Argentina an example of key opportunities that can be missed for lack of clarity, collaboration and direction.
Source: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil
