VIE 29 DE MARZO DE 2024 - 09:50hs.
John Maddox, Caesars’ VP - Government Relations and Development

"Caesars would be interested in investing in Brazil as long as the market is open and transparent"

Caesars Entertainment, one of the most important casino operators in the world, will be present at upcoming edition of the Brasilian Gaming Congress (BgC). John Maddox, firm’s VP - Government Relations and Development, will discuss the opportunities and challenges to Caesars entering Brazil. “It is important that Brazil’s legislation be the result of a careful analysis of successful international gaming models,” he anticipates.

GMB: Tell us about your participation in BgC 2019 ... on what topics will you speak about?
John Maddox:
At the BgC 2019 I will be a member of the panel entitled “Examining the Opportunities and Barriers to Entry for Casinos in Brazil.” As a panel member I will discuss the opportunities and challenges to Caesars entering Brazil. For example, Brazil’s diversity, vibrant culture and metropolitan and resort locations are among the opportunities Brazil offers. Whereas the lack of a legislative framework and the continuing barriers that exist for international investors will be challenging.

How do you see the gaming legalization process in Brazil with this new government? Near to materialize or even far? What is your vision of Brazil market?
We are hopeful that the new government will see the benefit of legalizing gaming and will put its full support behind a legislative framework. We were pleased to hear that both President Bolsonaro and the President of the Chamber of Deputies Rodrigo Maia are favorable to legalization.

What would you recommend to the Government of Brazil? Opening at first right now just casinos or the whole gaming sector?
It is important that Brazil’s legislation be the result of a careful analysis of successful international gaming models. Before championing a specific framework Brazil should conduct an economic analysis of the potential market prior to understand fully the model that would be in Brazil’s best interest.

Is there a high expectation at Caesars Entertainment for what happens in the country?
We believe if Brazil opens its market with the right legislative and regulatory framework, it could become an excellent destination for tourism and gaming.

The Group is decided to invest on Brazil? Do you already have selected cities to install casinos in the future?
The Group would be interested in investing in Brazil provided the market is open and transparent and the legislative and regulatory framework is reasonable and addresses the existing challenges to foreign investors. Selecting cities at this stage could be premature given that gaming is not legalized and we do not know how many licenses the Government will grant.

According to your vision, how many casinos and jobs could Brazil achieve in case of opening the market?
The number of jobs will depend largely on the legislative framework and conditions for investment. Similarly, the number of casinos will depend on the legislative and regulatory framework adopted and the conditionality, if any, for investment.

Do you consider that these kinds of events organized by Clarion are useful?
Of course! The events allow us to meet with other gaming professionals and members of Government and share best practices in gaming.

BgC is Brazil's most respected gaming industry congress, providing unrivaled access to ministers, federal deputies, senators and local governors working to regulate this rapidly growing jurisdiction. With fixed odds sports betting, integrated casino resorts and privatization of lotteries under discussion in the Brazilian government, 2019 marks a true turning point in this vibrant emerging market. The event will be held at Tivoli Mofarrej in São Paulo and to register or become a Sponsor / Exhibitor, see all information on the official BgC website: www.brasiliangamingcongress.com.

Source: Exclusve Games Magazine Brasil