GMB - When was it created and what are the objectives of the National Association of Games and Lotteries?
Wesley Cardia - The Association was created between September and October of last year and registered in 2022. Our objectives or mission, as I prefer, are the defense of the interests of its members, the sector and responsible and honest gambling. Among the topics that are dear to us, I would like to mention:
*The interaction with the authorities so that only operators committed to the fairness of sports betting are established;
*Payment of taxes that are fair and consistent with the activity;
*Encouraging sports, including collaborating with entities and authorities to prevent anomalous situations;
*Preventing the participation of minors, as well as people with compulsive gambling disorders;
*Good publicity in which one cannot create illusions about easy and excessive gains;
*The exchange of information with authorities from all spheres to improve the system; and
*The contribution to the country through the generation of jobs, taxes and opportunities for Brazilians.
How many members are part of the Association and how can interested parties join the ANJL?
Today there are 11 associates and two more in the process of being formalized. The number tends to grow quickly because it is a way for operators who agree with the precepts above to participate in discussions and defend the sector. Membership in the association is through filling out a proposal which, after examination by the board, is consolidated or not. Are already formalized with us:
GaleraBet/Playtech
Kaizen/Betano
BIG/Caesars Sportbook
F12.Bet
PagBet
Betnacional
Mr. Jack
Parimatch
BetFast
Aposta Ganha
Liderança
Do you intend to work together with other entities in the sector?
Yes. Today we already have three partnership agreements being finalized and the hiring of Sportradar to subsidize the authorities regarding possible manipulation of sports results that may occur.
What qualified you among the associates to be named CEO of ANJL?
Maybe the white hair. Jokes aside, there are more than 40 years of experience in the media sector, sports marketing, state and federal governments, in addition, of course, to being a lawyer and master in administration and journalism.
Was it strategic, as your experience comes from sports marketing and crisis management?
I wouldn't say that one experience or another was decisive. I think it's the years of experience associated with training that meets the needs of this work at the head of the ANJL.
For more than four years, regulation was awaited and numerous draft decrees were prepared. Why does Brazil still not have an operational framework for sports betting?
The one million dollar question! As soon as the previous government started this (regulation), the activity was not a priority. When it became a priority, teams of the highest capacity got together to prepare the decree and the Provisional Measure (PM) that would come out with the Decree. Throughout 2022 there were revisions that improved the text with the participation and coordination of the Civil House and the then Finance Ministry. But unfortunately none of the measures were signed depriving the country of raising billions in taxes.
Are you contributing as a sectoral entity with information to support the government in the preparation of regulations?
Yes. We have gathered information mainly demonstrating the history of other countries where sports betting is regulated. Facts that led to the success or failure of these regulations. The government, through the very competent professionals who are at the forefront of this mission at the Finance Ministry, receive and analyze. And, to arrive at the final text, they take into account much of the information they receive. Including ours.
What does the ANJL expect from the future and imminent regulation of fixed odds betting?
The ANJL hopes that the text follows the best regulations in the world, ensuring that the Brazilian market is explored in the most correct and safest way possible so that everyone has a return: entrepreneurs, gamblers, government and society.
In your opinion and based on the studies carried out, how many sports betting houses operate in the Brazilian market today? How much do they move?
My dear, these are the numbers that the Finance Ministry has been looking for the most. But nobody, I repeat: nobody is able to say if there are 1,000 sites, if there are already 2,000 or more. The same goes for the amount bet. As long as the market is not regulated, estimates are as disparate as possible.
After the regulation, what is the expectation regarding the number of operators and the volume of bets?
We imagine that the number of operators that will apply for licenses with the Finance Ministry should exceed 50 companies. But the volume of bets will depend a lot on the rules that we still don't know.
There is talk of figures between R$ 20 and 30 million for obtaining a license. Is it an adequate value?
In the decree that was not promulgated in the last government, the number was R$ 22 million. It is believed that the figure, now, will be around R$ 30 million.
And as for the taxes to be applied to companies and gamblers, what analysis do you make about what could come?
I would very much like to be able to answer that question. But these questions are being very well kept secret by the government. Anyone who says they know is guessing.
There is a strong movement in the states to implement sports betting based on state lotteries. How does the ANJL see this possibility?
A correct decision by Minister Gilmar Mendes gave states (and municipalities) the prerogative to explore the same lottery modalities as the Union. Some states and cities are able to implement several of the modalities. A few can implement the full range allowed by the Federal Government. Competition will determine which markets will interest operators.
The lottery network is also interested in operating sports betting. Is it possible? What needs to be done from a practical point of view for this?
The lottery network, an exceptional market model that Brazil has developed, will be able to participate in these projects once betting is allowed in physical locations and not just online.
Source: Exclusive GMB
