GMB - With what expectations did you get to SAGSE this year?
Maxim Ishunin - Each conference of this scale is an important event in the gambling industry. Top brands gather here - companies that have achieved a lot in their fields. And, this means that there will always be an opportunity to learn something useful and to gauge the current industry climate. At the same time, we have the opportunity to meet with partners, as well as make acquaintances that will grow into future partnerships.
What products / services did you bring to exhibit for the South American market?
We have two unique ranges, each featuring diverse products which will be of interest to millions of people not only in South America, but also around the world. The first is betting: the widest line of events, more than 1000 daily, with the ability to bet on the highest odds. We carry out a lot of betting promotions, for example, our renowned “risk-free bets” are always popular. The second is online games, where we have both premium games specifically designed to meet the needs of our customers, together with games from leading global suppliers.
How do you follow the news of the advancement of the Brazilian market?
As you may know, 1xBet is an official partner of the Brazilian Serie A football championship, which shows the importance of the Brazilian market for us. Our company is extremely interested in promoting the brand in this market. We use all possible channels to monitor and collect information about what interests Brazilians. This revolves around internal data about the popularity of certain sports, or rather betting on them. It also involves constant communication with customers through a 24/7 support service and brand exposure in the media.
Could you participate in any of the public consultations launched by the Ministry of Economy of Brazil? Do you have an opinion about the minute that was shown publicly?
We are closely following the activities of the ministry, which is trying to protect the Brazilian market from low-quality bookmakers. For its part, 1xBet always conducts its activities in accordance with the laws of the countries in which it operates.
If you could suggest something to the Brazilian government in this regulation process, what would it be?
There seems to be no need to advise the Brazilian government. The only thing we can note is that we support general industry rules for everyone and are ready to comply with them.
How do you feel the impact of your brand actions on Brazilian football as the appearance on boards during the Brasileirao championship games?
Of course, as these appearances contribute to greater brand recognition, they are important for us. Brazil is a country in which football the favourite national pastime and certainly one of the most discussed topics. At the same time, every fan who understands football wants to make money from it at the best odds - and we can certainly offer interesting options in that respect.
Are more actions, such as sponsorship of teams or brand ambassadors, planned?
We have many plans for both 2020 and the longer term. We will announce some in the near future - so stay tuned. Rest assured that our brand is interested in partnering with the best - and it will continue to be so.
Brazil has certain risks or challenges such as its large population or language, which is different from the rest of South America. Do you think that local knowledge is key to the success of the business in the country?
Our site has been adapted to more than 50 languages of the world, including regional Portuguese specific to Brazil. So, in this regard, local sports fans have nothing to worry about. As far as other global aspects - we always work with the best partners who have important market knowledge. Before starting in a particular country, we study its features. After doing so, we are keenly interested in participating and succeeding in the Brazilian market. However, even after launching in a particular market, it is always important to learn - and we continue to do so.
Do you have a profile of the Brazilian bettor in terms of tastes, preferences, choices to play, etc?
Of course, there are some observations we have gleaned, but let us leave these undisclosed as it is essentially inside information of the company.
Getting close to the end of the year, how was 2019 for your company and what projects do you have for 2020?
2019 brought us a lot of good news - we signed partnership agreements with a number of the largest clubs and leagues in the world, developed our presence in new markets, and most recently were nominated in 6 categories of the prestigious SBC Awards. As fantastic as the past year has been, we are sure that 2020 will be even better.
Source: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil
