GMB - How did the invitation to participate in the round table on Brazil at ICE come about? What are the main points that will be presented and what are your expectations?
Luiz Felipe Maia - Since 2012 I have the honor of being invited by Clarion to speak about Brazil at its events. In these 8 years we have developed a relationship of great respect and trust and I hope to continue contributing to the debate. In 2020, the main issues under discussion will be sports betting and the possible regulation of casinos. There is a lot of expectation and uncertainty in the industry regarding how the regulation of Law 13.756 / 2018 will be made and a strong hope that the national congress will finally discuss the issue of casinos.
Last Wednesday, it was confirmed the departure of SECAP secretary Alexandre Manoel despite not having a set date for that. What is your opinion about this change and what impact should it have on the market?
Secretary Alexandre Manoel has much merit for leading the legalization and regulation of sports betting so far. His departure is a surprise for everyone, but I am sure that the team that will remain under the coordination of undersecretary Waldir Marques has full alignment and technical capacity to continue the work with excellence.
Do you believe that the news of Alexandre's departure will be one of the great themes during ICE? What can Brazilians, like you that will speak at the lectures, do to reassure the market at the event?
I understand that the maintenance of the work team, under undersecretary Waldir Marques, brings comfort to the market and a clear message of continuity. In addition, the relevance of betting companies' sponsorships creates an environment of greater urgency and relevance for regulation.
In addition to the round table, other parallel events to the fair with a theme about Brazil and with the participation of many important names of gaming in the country have been announced by Clarion. What is your opinion about this Brazilian presence at the fair and what practical results for the legalization of theactivity can it bring?
The absence of representatives of the Brazilian government will certainly be felt and will generate some frustration in the public. On the other hand, the presence of so many Brazilians will be a strong demonstration that the theme has been gaining more and more strength in the country.
Do you believe that ICE will be Brazil's first chance in 2020 to show that it is ready to be a good investment option in gaming based on the regulation of sports betting?
I think the industry has no doubt about Brazil's enormous potential for the sports betting market. ICE 2020 will certainly be an opportunity to share information and demonstrate the great international interest in our country.
Source: Exclusive Games Magazine Brasil
