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Inside Brazil’s race to the finish line

Published

5 months ago

February 26, 2024

The buzz around a fully-regulated Brazilian sports betting market has been amplified since the passing of legislation in late December 2023. As operators await the publication of a regulatory framework later this year, many industry stakeholders are trying to prepare themselves for meeting licensing requirements.

Marc Crean, OpenBet’s VP for Latin America, shares predictions for the months ahead.

After a two-decade wait for a legalised gambling market, Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio da Silva, has now sanctioned law 14790 to approve gambling regulation in the booming LatAm market. The government has been engaging key stakeholders and giving regular and transparent updates over recent months and the path to regulation looks optimistic with a thriving market is in sight.

There are strong opinions from all sides about Brazilian regulation and how it should look, yet there is great potential to create new revenue streams and jobs for the country, which is generally viewed as the jewel in the crown of LatAm’s sports betting market. However, before the market can operate smoothly, sustainably, and safely, the serious issues of match-fixing, money laundering and responsible gaming must be ironed out. A highly publicised investigation concerning allegations of widespread match-fixing is still ongoing, with seven professional football players charged for alleged crimes in the scandal.

The government wants to establish a market that provides sports betting entertainment to Brazilians, generates revenue for the country and protects local players and institutions as quickly as possible, but the specifics of the regulations will change over time as technology develops. The framework must be flexible enough to cope with changing demands and stay one step ahead of illegal operations when it is finalised.

One introduction is a 12% GGR tax on operators, which is a sustainable rate and in line with other successful regions, as well as a 15% tax on bettors’ net gains. This is expected to generate R$3 billion in revenue for the Brazilian government each year. However, while the government will struggle to satisfy all stakeholders, taxes are not unique to Brazil nor to sports betting. Most market estimates have Brazil as third or fourth in the world in terms of size, and the proposed cost of a license is in line with UK and US costs.

What is clear is that Brazilian regulators must exercise caution on a proposed tax on player winnings. There is room to do this successfully based on how the tax imposition is implemented. It is in the law, so it is going to be in place, but the devil is in the details. It has been seen again and again how this type of tax, whilst well-intentioned, can reduce channelisation and end up pushing people to black market sites.

Shaping the industry of the future

Brazil has its own unique cultural, social and economic dynamics that will have a major influence on product, operations and marketing activities. Regulation will create a massive amount of local opportunity both on the supply and the operator side of our industry. However, people tend to overestimate the need for local product and underestimate the need for local marketing and operations. This invariably creates opportunities for local companies and I think this is healthy for our industry.

Early-adoption, innovation and an unparalleled consumption of social media are three local dynamics that will have a massive impact on the shape of the industry. As always, companies with boots on the ground will be better placed to understand and tap into these areas.

When you add in the size of the market and the passion for sports, we can expect to see a lot of new ideas and innovations coming out of Brazil once the market fully opens up and starts to flourish.

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IGSA Welcomes Sharp Vision as Silver Member

Published

16 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Niji Narayan

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has welcomed Sharp Vision as a new Silver member. Sharp Vision is a leading provider of regulatory turnkey solutions for gaming authorities.

“We are delighted to be a part of IGSA and we look forward to contributing to the advancement of best practices among regulators in the fast-growing gaming industry,” Damien Raymond, COO of Sharp Vision, said.

“IGSA is very excited to welcome Sharp Vision to our membership. We believe that IGSA Standards can enhance Sharp Vision’s products supporting regulatory authority oversight. We look forward to their participation in IGSA committees,” Mark Pace, President of IGSA, said.

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BigCash Goes Global with Launch in Brazil

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Niji Narayan

BigCash, India’s leading online skill-based real money gaming company, has set its sights on global expansion and aims to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to users worldwide. The global skill-based gaming market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of 13.50% and will be valued at USD 106.78 billion, by 2032. Building on its success in India, BigCash is poised to introduce its entertaining games to global audiences, uniquely blending local flavors with its hallmark innovative gameplay.

BigCash started its journey in 2017 and has quickly become players’ preferred choice, by strategically focusing on launching new games and features regularly and due to its superfast and user-friendly interface. Being a multi-gaming app, it offers a wide range of games tailored for all age groups. With popular Indian card games, like poker, rummy, and call break with regional variations; casual games like ludo, ice blaster, fruit chop, along with fantasy cricket, the platform resonates deeply with the players of Bharat.

Continuing on the mission to take Indian technology global and to reach a wider global gaming audience, BigCash, after months of an in-depth market study, had set its views on expanding its global presence with in-house developed and tailored gaming technology and experience. BigCash presently operates in Brazil, besides India.

One of the key reasons behind BigCash’s entry into the Latin American market is the region’s immense potential for growth in the gaming sector. Brazil, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for gaming companies due to its large population, favorable demographics, and a growing middle class with disposable income.

BigCash’s global expansion plans include multiple launches in Latin America, Asia, and Africa over the next 12 months. BigCash plans to offer local and international flavors, customized specifically for each country, with a focus on Responsible Gaming and other trust measures, to ensure a deeper bonding with the players.

Ankur Singh, CEO of BigCash, said: “Going global has been part of our strategic planning always; with our launch in Brazil, we have just taken the first step. We are aspiring to be present in 8 countries in the next 12 months. The competitive landscape in Latin America’s gaming industry presents both opportunities and challenges. BigCash is a perfect fit for the Latin American gaming landscape due to our stronghold on tech, which allows product customizations, easy-to-play online games, a supersafe and fast experience; we are already gaining a lot of organic traction.”

Latest News

Michigan Lottery Transitions to 1-800-GAMBLER for Responsible Gaming Support

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.

“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.

Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lottery’s website.

The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lottery’s compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.