GMB: Once again, Sirplay supports the BgC. What are your expectations for this year’s edition?
Bart Esposito: Expectations have certainly increased compared to last year. It’s been almost six months since the reform of PM 846/2018 and Law 13,756 / 2018. Six months in which we registered an increasing interest in Brazil. The industry has numbers that can be discussed and measures that must be taken into account for the development of the market. Last year, the BGC received around 700 key stakeholders who dreamed of a change. This year we expect an equivalent or slightly higher number. But unlike 2018, this year we can start talking about how and what Brazil is in the online gaming industry.
Unlike the previous edition, this time Brazil has already legalized sports betting. How do you see this progress and what would be the best type of regulation that the Ministry of Economy should choose?
The best type of regulation is regulation that respects the interests of the country and the citizens. At this time, the developments and effects of regulation took place in the lottery. CAIXA is leading the way in the market and in numbers can glimpse a country that wants entertainment and a first-class industry. As for sports betting, Sirplay remains at the door and is watching the developments with great interest. We appreciate the intervention in Parliament last May. Many key figures supported important issues that we share. Responsible gaming, taxes and jobs are important issues and should be treated with extreme caution. Sirplay hopes to be part of this market providing the entertainment and professionalism it represents.
Have you already received many requests from operators who want to get to Brazil with Sirplay services?
It is not as of November that Sirplay winks at the market. The testimony is the corporate presence at BgC last year, at a time when there was skepticism and confidence in the possibility of legislating in Brazil. Contacts arrive in large numbers. From organizations that know the whole sector, to the businessman who believes that Bookmaking and iGaming are the future of Brazil, to the neophyte in the sector. The hope is to find a suitable partner that respects the needs of others.
What products from your portfolio do you think will be the most successful in this new market?
Sports betting is undeniable the motor of the movement in Brazil. The lottery and sports betting were the main subjects of the law, so it would be strange to talk about anything else. An impact of 65% of sports betting is estimated, between fixed odds and live betting. It will be curious to see how this 65% will affect a portion of a niche such as competitive videogames and electronic sports.
Do you already have clear plans to land in Brazil in 2019 or 2020? How many people could work here and in what tasks?
Wait and prepare for the arrival of specific regulations that allow you to work in Brazil. It will be the tenth challenge to which Sirplay wants to participate together with a competitive partner. Regarding work, the company's policy is to open a branch in strategically relevant geographical contexts. And Brazil is an important objective of the company.
In addition to Brazil, the Province and the City of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, have already legalized bets and are in the process of bidding. Is this also a market to explore for Sirplay?
There is a Sirplay customer who is a candidate to obtain a valid license for the City of Buenos Aires, which has received full support for the development of this new market. It is obvious to say that the competition is difficult, and we expect to receive the fruits of the work and the collaborative relationship that Sirplay has been carrying out in Argentina for approximately three years with our clients.
Are Argentina and Brazil similar markets for you or do they have commercial differences?
The difference is substantial. The gaming sector in Argentina is regulated by several regional organizations, but a cultural substrate is already present and is already strong in the country. As a result, even the effects of the law will have immediate impact. When you look at Brazil you have to look at a market that has this business in its blood, but that will have an important impact in the medium and long term and a less rapid development. Culture is the variable that should not be overlooked and looked at. In addition, there is a difference in wanting to legislate in a city, no matter how big and important it is, and want to create institutions, government, jobs and administration in a country of 200 million people. In addition, there is a slightly different distribution of supply and demand. But, in general, both have first-class sports betting as their focal point.
How was the market reaction to R-PLAY, the innovative product that Sirplay presented this year?
The market reaction to R-PLAY has been strong. Very strong, from the moment we presented the Software to ICE New York 2019 and ICE London 2019. An important bet with an important partnership. Despite this, we have decided to start investing in a new project, starting with our motherboard, SBS or Sirplay Betting Software, to continue improving.
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: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil
