GMB - What is your overall assessment of OGS Brazil 2019 conducted by Clarion last week where several issues relevant to the market were discussed? Do you believe the event fulfilled its educational and commercial mission?
Sergio Jardim - Our event aims to discuss issues related to the legalization and regulation of gaming in Brazil and this mission was fulfilled. Over the two days we had several panels and lectures to discuss the topic. Many questions were asked which made the conversation very fruitful. The second part is that our exhibitors and sponsors reported to us that they were very pleased and even managed to complete various deals within the meeting. Three, four, five new deals for each of these companies means a very positive thing. Both the side of bringing content to entertain congressmen was accomplished; and the other side of providing a business environment. That was our expectation.
Within the OGS, the most anticipated presentations were from representatives of the Ministry of Economy to talk about sports betting. Some attendees and businessmen were not so excited about what they said at the event. How do you evaluate the content presented in these lectures and the reaction of the market?
I evaluate it in a very simple way: it is better to have something than to have nothing. Or, better to have something than to insist on having everything. I imagine we took an important step. Firstly, because the ministry said that in January it will have the legislation ready and will disclose it to the market. Second, he acknowledged that there are changes that need to be made and that they will strive to make them. And the third point, very important too, is that there is time for those who want to do their business and invest in Brazil to prepare, set up their companies, capitalize, hire people, create brands and be ready for kick-off. Because if the legislation comes out in January, we have to think that business will start in the second half. I think it was positive and the best possible for this moment.
It was the first time Clarion had made room to discuss about affiliates in the gaming industry by hosting SPAC. What is your assessment of the event and what led the company to address this issue?
Affiliates is a subject that already exists in other countries and is treated with great importance. Our London fair also has a day when it happens in the middle of the affiliate event. So, we know that is a relevant subject for the gaming market. We had the initiative to bring to Brazil, for the first time, an event that takes place following the OGS to discuss gaming affiliation. There is already affiliation in other sectors of Brazil, such as retail, and we deal exclusively with the gaming industry and how it works. It is a positive thing, proven, it already happens in several countries and it was time to discuss it here in the country.
In your opinion, what does it mean for Brazil to have the regulation and start the sports betting operation in 2020?
It's a tremendous achievement to have sports betting come true next year. It is a milestone for us because since 1946 nothing has been approved. All modalities except those already in horse racing and lotteries were prohibited. So, if you think that after all these years, we have finally opened a segment that is no longer illegal since December last year and whose regulation should come out in January, this is a milestone. It's great to start this.
Apart from sports betting, do you think there is room for other gaming modes to get legalized? Do you see any of them with a higher chance in the short or medium term?
I think there is room to discuss the other modalities and I imagine the hottest are the casinos. There are many opinions and many groups outside the gaming industry, such as the hotel industry, tourism and airlines, all arguing that they will bring benefits. There can't be everyone wrong.
Source: Exclusive GMB
