GMB - How have you been following the process of regulation of sports betting under development in Brazil?
Thomas Carvalhaes - I'm looking forward to it, and I think all operators, affiliates, the betting community, even the bettors themselves have been expecting it. We believe in the good intention of the government to soon form the commission that will regulate and audit everything once the regulation comes into force. We expect a little more speed from the secretariat on this matter because we do not want future investors and renowned companies in the sector to lose interest in a very high potential market like the Brazilian.
Will the Ministry of Economy be able to deliver the best text so that the sports betting market can meet current expectations?
This worries me as an entrepreneur and representative of an international operation. The document contemplates another lottery activity and is not the ideal text for a performance that may have losses. This is a topic that is being much discussed; as a sportsbook and online casino, we risk losing because the player can win and make withdrawals. So, it is not ideal for us to be taxed on turnover (revenue), it would be fair to tax on GGR. I believe this is an unanimous opinion of the players of the sector that has Brazil as a focus of investment.
Do you believe that, even with these points to be resolved and the concerns of the companies, the Brazilian sports betting market will have a great growth after the regulation?
We hope so and my expectations are the best. It was a very pleasant surprise to see media that at first did not provide much coverage for the industry, such as leading television channels, covering the latest OGS / SPAC. I think we have been able to do an excellent job, merit it for you as a specialized media too, raising awareness, educating about sports betting and gaming industry in general. I believe if we continue this past it will surely be a boom year.
And what will be the role of Leo Vegas in this expanding sports betting market in Brazil? Do you already have a goal set?
LeoVegas will be the lion of the market. We arrived with desire, we have the ammunition and we are a well-regarded company. We are really waiting for better definitions of what the environment will be like once the regulation comes into force. But our goal is to be an industry leader. Our slogan says, "The King of Mobile Casino"; so, we really want to be the “Lion King”, roar in the Brazilian market and make the business happen.
Do you think 2019 was a successful year for LeoVegas? What were the biggest achievements of the company?
It was a great year. We have succeeded in increasingly challenging markets such as Sweden, have won significant awards at the latest SBC as casino operator and innovator of the year, as well as the decision to reach Latin America and Brazil. For me it was a very good year, with challenges of course, but very positive.
And with all this success in 2019, what are your plans for the coming year? Do you expect to introduce many new things to the market?
Certainly comes plenty of news out there, including new markets. We are contemplating new regions of Latin America. At the product level, LeoVegas is always working with content promoters as partners, not only for games, but also for payment method solutions. Once regulation becomes known, everything will become easier and flow better. So, our expectation is the best possible.
Source: Exclusive GMB
