GMB - What are your expectations regarding the new edition of the Brazilian Gaming Congress that will take place next week?
Sérgio Jardim - Since it is not feasible to have a face-to-face event this year as we would have liked to do, we structured the Brazilian Gaming Congress Digital Experience. Our expectation is that, after all this time and without the chance to promote our traditional meeting, we will provide contacts, update, to understand how the projects went in Brazil, what news is out there, listen to operators and listen to the industry.
The new edition of BgC comes in a different format. Is Virtual here to stay?
That is a big question. We don't know and I don't think anyone has that answer, but what we realize is that digital complements face-to-face and that makes sense because it increases interaction with the diverse audiences that are always at our events. I believe that face-to-face and virtual events will coexist very well, and I even believe that some events will be hybrid, combining the two solutions.
What will be the main themes to be addressed in BgC 2020 edition?
There is no doubt that we will update important topics. One of them will be sports betting, updating what happened in the last months and how the work has been developed, in addition to the way operators and the industry have been updating us about what happens in the rest of the world. Another important theme will be state lotteries since they are a new reality after the STF judgment. And lastly, I would say that a subject that has made headlines is casinos. Let's debate what has been discussed and talk a little about ongoing projects.
There is a great expectation from the market regarding the regulation of sports betting, and this will be one of the central themes of the event. What is your feeling about the subject and what is expected from the debate about it with Waldir Marques Jr., Under Secretary for Prizes and Draws at the Ministry of Economy?
Sports betting is always relevant and is a moving subject. In the last discussions, we learned that it became a strategic issue by the government and its inclusion in the PPI, with the appointment of the BNDES to participate in the modeling of the concession. So, we will update on this and listen to the reflections of the industry and operators a little more.
When do you believe that sports betting regulation will happen?
This is the million-dollar question. Nobody has that answer and it is not so simple, but it is possible that, with the work of the previous year plus what happened in 2020 with the inclusion in the PPI, it may be that next year we will have very positive news and the start of operations.
Another topic of interest to the market is the end of the Federal Government's monopoly in the exploration of lotteries, determined by the STF, and Waldir Marques Jr. will talk about it. What news do you expect from this topic?
It is a very hot topic and we will debate this scenario and understand what is possible to do, which are the limits of this operation, and how it can be a profitable way for the states for social development and revenue generation.
With the end of the monopoly, states will be able to explore lottery activities. Has Clarion, as a major scenario for debates on the gaming sector, already been sought by states interested in the theme?
On this subject, we have already been approached by at least three states to comment on this, showing interest in discussing this topic.
There is a strong movement in Brasilia to approve a law for other gambling modalities. What assessment do you make of this movement and what do you expect in this regard?
Truth. There is great movement in Brasilia in favor of other gambling modalities. This is extremely important and we have frequently assisted senators of the Republic and federal deputies, who have the power to bring these matters to the public's eye, taking a stand on this and presenting advantages and disadvantages of the various existing models. It is not out of the question to discuss this, as new bills have recently emerged to address the casino theme in its various alternatives. And it is not just the casinos, but also the bingos and other modalities will be addressed, and we hope that these themes are present and that the industry in general presents its vision on them.
What will the networking & business area be like, where interactive chats and discussion groups are planned?
In addition to the content, BgC Digital Experience will provide a series of tools for interaction and networking between participants. To use them, participants need to register in our website. From the 8th they will be able to access the platform and it will be open until December 18th. They will be able to access all the content - both live and on demand - and there will also be discussion groups, which will be separated by themes. And participants will also be able to access the sponsors' showcase. They will provide promotional materials, videos, ebooks, etc. They will also keep consultants available for scheduling meetings. Sponsors will be able to do this either by chat or by video with the participants, if they wish so.
What other issues will be featured in this year's BgC?
There are some themes that are recurring, but whose importance is undeniable. We are going to talk about revenue generation and jobs with the regulation and approval of the various gambling modalities. We will also talk about responsible gambling and other details that are part of this process, such as the tired argument of money laundering of those who are against the sector. This is linked to the ability to control the activity and is now perfectly available with all existing technology.
Source: Exclusive GMB
