VIE 5 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2025 - 05:49hs.
Carlos Santos, CEO

“Brazil is the heart of Bet Aki’s operations and will remain our priority in 2026”

In an exclusive interview with GMB, Carlos Santos, CEO of Bet Aki, spoke about the company’s plans for the Brazilian market. He stressed that the country is the heart of the operation, despite higher taxation and regulatory uncertainties. For him, Bet Aki’s strategy combines innovation, technology, and closeness to fans. Santos also talked abou the importance of educating the public about safe and responsible betting and revealed new strategic partnerships.

GMB – The Brazilian government is discussing raising the GGR tax from 12% to 18%. How would this potential change impact Bet Aki’s strategy and investment plans?
Carlos Santos – Naturally, higher taxation pressures margins and requires adjustments to the financial structure. However, Bet Aki works with long-term planning and resilience. We had already considered scenarios of higher taxes and built a solid business model to absorb that impact without compromising our expansion. This does not change our vision: we remain firmly committed to investing in technology, marketing, and operations to consolidate our leadership position in Brazil.

Regulation in Brazil still undergoes frequent adjustments, often with unexpected changes. How does Bet Aki prepare to deal with this scenario of regulatory uncertainty?
Brazil’s regulation is evolving, and that is natural in a market that is still maturing. At Bet Aki, we don’t see uncertainty as an obstacle but as an opportunity to demonstrate solidity. We invest in compliance, governance, and strategic partnerships so we’re always prepared for regulatory adjustments. This flexibility is part of our growth DNA.

There is a growing debate about possible restrictions on sports betting advertising and the use of digital influencers. What is your view on this issue, and how could stricter rules impact Bet Aki’s marketing strategy?
We believe in the importance of responsibility in marketing. Any rule designed to bring more transparency and security to consumers will be respected. At the same time, we see this as reinforcing the need for brands to build their own identity, beyond influencers. Bet Aki is already working on branding strategies, sports sponsorships, and local activations that connect us directly with the audience in an authentic and sustainable way.

Does Bet Aki plan to work with a brand ambassador in Brazil to strengthen its identity, as some competitors already do?
We are evaluating strategic names to reinforce Bet Aki’s identity. But our focus is not just on “having a face.” It’s about choosing ambassadors who share our vision of seriousness, innovation, and closeness with Brazilian fans.

Many bettors still use unregulated platforms. What role does Bet Aki play in educating the public about the importance of betting in a licensed and secure environment?
This is a central point. Many still don’t understand the difference between a licensed and an unregulated site. Bet Aki is committed to educating the public, showing that betting in a regulated environment means more security, more transparency, and guaranteed payouts. We want to set the standard in building this awareness in the Brazilian market.

Beyond language and local payment methods, what specific resources or innovations is Bet Aki developing to serve the Brazilian audience exclusively?
In addition to offering local payment methods and Portuguese-language support, we are investing in resources that truly speak the language of Brazilian bettors: personalized odds on national games, promotions aligned with the local sports calendar, and integration with regional tournaments. The experience will be tailor-made for our audience.

With growing competition among licensed operators, how does Bet Aki intend to differentiate itself over the next 12 months?
Our focus is on closeness. While many operators try to replicate international formulas, Bet Aki is building an ecosystem that speaks directly to Brazilian fans: grassroots sponsorships, regional activations, proprietary technology to optimize the customer journey, and close, human support. That will be our competitive edge.

Considering Brazil’s size, does Bet Aki see opportunities to expand into other Latin American countries, or will the focus remain entirely on the Brazilian market?
Brazil is the heart of our operation and will remain our priority. But we see the Latin American market as a natural extension. We have already mapped opportunities in countries like Chile and Colombia, and at the right time, we will expand with the same seriousness and strategic planning we apply in Brazil.

Public pressure around gaming addiction has been increasing in Brazil. What measures does Bet Aki take to ensure a responsible gaming environment and respond to criticism on this topic?
The industry’s growth must go hand in hand with responsibility. Bet Aki has implemented self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and clear communication about the risks of gambling. Our vision is that entertainment must be healthy, and we want to set an example in responsible practices in the market.

If you had to project, how do you see the Brazilian betting market in 2026 — in terms of size, competition, and regulatory maturity?
In 2026, I see Brazil as one of the largest regulated markets in the world, with more professionalized operators, more conscious players, and a more stable regulation. It will be a highly competitive market, but also full of opportunities for those with consistency, innovation, and strong branding. Bet Aki wants to be at the top of that list.

Bet Aki recently announced a strategic partnership with Comtrade Gaming. What are the main goals of this collaboration, and how does it strengthen the company’s operation in Brazil?
The partnership with Comtrade Gaming aims to strengthen our technological foundation. We are talking about a robust, scalable, and reliable platform that gives us the flexibility to grow quickly and safely. This places us on another level of competitiveness within the Brazilian market.

What will be the company’s next partnerships?
We are in negotiations with strategic companies in payments, marketing, and sports. In addition, we are pursuing partnerships with live streaming platforms for international championships, offering a unique experience by allowing bettors to follow major global sporting events in real time within our ecosystem.

We are also advancing partnerships with artificial intelligence companies, applying technology for personalization, predictive analysis, and enhanced security. The goal is clear: to transform Bet Aki into a complete platform that unites entertainment, cutting-edge technology, and closeness with the customer.

Source: Exclusive GMB