GMB - Does the Brazilian market need a face-to-face event like the Brazilian iGaming Summit?
Alex Pariente - I think it is fundamental for us to connect and explore the possibilities, working with the different bodies that the government created to develop regulation for Brazil. I want to congratulate Carlos Cardama for the initiative to develop this event. I think the communication and interaction between all of us who are part of the industry, be it the lottery vertical, sports betting, land-based casinos and prestigious companies like our friends at GLI is very important. Exchanging ideas and following the evolution of the conversations that are being held within the government and helping them to strengthen the regulation they are working on makes everything very positive before the regulation is implemented.
Can the strength of BiS and its dissemination in the media help to understand that this industry should be legalized for the benefit of the country?
The event is a milestone for everyone involved with our industry and the dissemination of BiS and the gaming sector is important for society to realize the strength of the activity in generating jobs, taxes and wealth. The government already knows this, but it is always good to reinforce the importance of this industry as an economic activity.
You will participate in an active way with a lecture. What topics will you address and what tips can you offer participants?
It is a privilege for me to have been invited to participate on a panel at this event. It is important to discuss what went right and what went wrong in other markets and how we can collaborate in this process of drafting a regulation and, above all, understand the direction the government intends to take to this process. It is also important to understand the interaction of different regulations, such as that of the banking sector, which is fundamental to the development of our industry. We’ll discuss what kinds of models the government can define, and also will talk a little bit about legalizing gambling as entertainment, whether through lotteries, land-based casinos or sports betting, to satisfy a population's internal need. We are very interested in incorporating foreign exchange for Brazil through the increase in tourism and development of infrastructure in tourist destinations. It is very important to discuss this, as well as issues related to responsible gaming, before we get into business and see all the precautions we have to take to protect the consumer. Our industry is no different from others and we have developed numerous policies over the years in actions related to consumer protection. We will also address the issue of job creation and show at BiS that we want to be an industry model to insert it into the economy.
How do you analyze Brazil's growth this year specifically in the gaming market segment where you work and specialize? What are your expectations for 2022?
Brazil is taking important steps in the regulation of sports betting and from it we hope that the other verticals will be discussed. We have numerous investments in Brazil and the objective is to grow in the country and contribute to the economic development of the locations where we are settling. It is still not possible to talk about Brazil's growth in the gaming segment, but the country is taking important steps in this direction.
At what point do you see the local gaming market in general and its evolution in 2021 from a political and regulatory perspective?
The SECAP team (Department of Evaluation and Lotteries), of our friends Gustavo Guimarães and Waldir Eustáquio Jr., has been working in a very dedicated way to regulate sports betting. I am sure that all government guidelines will lead to legislation that is modern and in line with the best practices adopted around the world.
In the most recent discussions about gaming activity in Brazil, the main players believe the country is closer than ever to regulation. Do you share the same opinion? Do you believe it is possible to approve all game verticals in Brazil during the next year?
That's everyone's expectation right now and BiS will show that hope. Brazil is mature on the subject and discussions for the regulation of sports betting are in their final phase. The other verticals will come naturally and the country will benefit from the jobs and taxes that our industry will generate.
All about the Brazilian iGaming Summit (BiS)
Due to the health crisis, several events, trade shows and congresses had to be postponed or even canceled throughout 2020 and 2021; however, with the advance of immunization across the country, things are slowly returning to normality. Thus, the Brazilian iGaming Summit (BiS) will take place at Espaço Boulevard JK, in São Paulo, on December 1st and 2nd with the strategic partnership of Games Magazine Brasil, and will be attended by investors and entrepreneurs from diferente sectors such as sports betting, communication, affiliates, lotteries and regulators. For the first time, it will take place in a hybrid model, with real-time broadcasts and big screens spread throughout the conference space.
To ensure the safety of guests, event organizers will respect all recommended health safety protocols. With this, BiS will be the return point of in-person events for the gaming sector in Brazil and a great opportunity to connect entrepreneurs of the gaming market to the country's political personalities and actors involved in the regulation process. They will discuss and analyze what will be the next steps to pass legislation for the sector, and what are the trends for the development of this market in Brazil.
For more information, enter the event's official website.
To register for the Brazilian iGaming Summit, click here.
Source: GMB
