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Phyllyp Sedicias: Localisation will define the market leaders in Brazil
Localisation has become somewhat of a buzzword across the iGaming industry as of late. But for Phyllyp Sedicias, Country Director for Brazil at WA.Technology, localisation will be the key battleground for operators looking to stand out from the crowd in Brazil.
Brazil has, without a doubt, become one of the most exciting territories for gambling companies to expand their international footprint. And itâs easy to see why.
Boasting a population of more than 212 million people, combined with high rates of mobile and internet adoption and a strong cultural acceptance of gambling, itâs safe to say that the jewel in LatAmâs crown presents a shining opportunity.
With the regulated market expected to officially launch on 1 January, questions are starting to arise over player behaviours, trends, and how best to cater to the unique requirements of this market. Weâre here to solve that.
From the types of products you offer to the way in which you engage with bettors, there are plenty of considerations that must be made before taking your first steps into this nascent market. If you want to make the best possible first impressions with players â you need unmatched personalisation and expertise. This is where knowledge of the local market and a strong B2B platform provider comes in handy â and itâs what weâre ready to be the best at as Brazil goes live.
Local knowledge
In short, WA.Technology prides itself on being one of the few B2B gambling providers with extensive local expertise in the Brazilian market. We have a team of more than 50 people based out of our two offices in Recife, all of whom have considerable experience in the iGaming space.
Among our team leaders in Brazil is our Director of Regulatory Affairs, who supports us in staying one step ahead of any legislative developments. In fact, weâre one of the few providers with a director dedicated solely to navigating Brazilian regulation, which puts us in an incredibly strong position to support our partners looking to enter this burgeoning market.
Having boots on the ground has a number of benefits. It gives us first-hand experience of the pain points and challenges that our partners might face, giving us a unique insight into how to adapt our product suite accordingly.
To give you an example, the topic of payment methods is one that many operators speak to us about. And our advice? Go local!
For those who have been following the Brazilian market closely, you might be aware of the growing popularity of Pix. Created by Banco Central do Brasil, Pix is an instant payment ecosystem that enables players to send or receive payment transfers via their mobile device in a matter of seconds.
In recent years, it has become the payment method of choice for many Brazilians, with many favouring this over more traditional e-wallets and other digital payment methods. So, for gambling operators, integrating Pix into your platform is no longer a convenience â itâs a necessity.
As a platform provider, we see potential in offering a localised, mobile-friendly solution incorporating local payment methods and innovations specific to that market. For us, this is what sets us apart from other providers on the market.
We have been tapping into our teamâs extensive expertise in the iGaming experience, especially in the LatAm market, and working hard to bring that knowledge and expertise to operators across Brazil.
Weâre not just localising payments, either. Localisation has shaped every element of our platform. At WA.Technology, we offer custom solutions that meet each customer’s specific needs. We want to avoid the âcarte blancheâ approach that you sometimes see from big-brand providers; instead, each of our solutions is tailored to the unique requirements of our operators. This is an area we excel at better than anyone else, and itâs fast making us the partner of choice for the regulated market.
What we offer is designed to make brands the best they can be. For those looking to enter Brazil, we have specifically adapted our portfolio to include products centred around popular verticals, such as sports, plus solutions that help operators drive acquisition and retention. These two areas will be major battlegrounds as more companies flood the market.
Having established solid partnerships with eight leading local operators already, WA.Technology has been working closely with our partners to understand the key player trends and products that can help operators scale their business within the Brazilian market. If you want the best, weâre here to deliver.
Driving acquisition
So, what do you need to stand out as an operator brand? With influencer marketing now off the table in Brazil following the governmentâs recent ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, you will need to focus your attention on affiliate marketing. However, navigating the world of affiliation can sound quite tricky from the outset.
Developed specifically for the Brazilian iGaming market, our WA.Affiliates solution will be particularly crucial for operators looking to gain an edge over the competition, and itâs easily the best available.
Equipped with affiliate tracking software, performance updates, and an integrated wallet, we firmly believe this will boost operatorsâ capabilities to interact with new players and enable sportsbooks and casinos to optimise their performance and drive long-term growth.
For many operators looking to enter Brazil, it might be an easy option to simply roll out a standard sportsbook or casino platform that offers a range of markets. This sounds great from the outset, but it will make it incredibly difficult to stand out from the floods of other operators offering similar, if not identical, products.
Of course, it goes without saying that Brazil is known for its inherent love of sports. You just have to look at the support for football teams across the country to see this in action. However, the challenge with traditional sports is that they are subject to rigid calendars, with only a handful of games taking place each week. As a result, players must wait several hours, if not days or weeks, between fixtures to place a bet. For operators, this makes it very difficult to maintain a strong engagement with sports bettors. Itâs all about instant entertainment, and weâre here to deliver.
Again, itâs all about localisation â and WA.Technology is the solution to this problem. Specifically designed for bettors to test their sporting knowledge in a fun, engaging environment, WA.Fantasy is a tried and tested acquisition tool for both sportsbooks and casinos to cross-sell fantasy games to players and boost engagement and retention.
Featuring a range of Fantasy Sports, PickâEm Player Props, and free-to-play predictor games, all designed for Brazil, WA.Fantasy gives players the chance to create teams, leagues, and private contests to add an additional element of competition and gamification to their gambling experience.
What next for Brazil?
While we still await further news on how the Brazilian market will pan out, one thing is for certain: WA.Technology is here to support our partners during every step of their expansion journey – especially if theyâre serious about becoming an industry leader.
Our full spectrum of iGaming solutions puts us in an unmatched position to capitalise on the growth opportunities that the Brazilian market presents and enables us to drive our partnersâ businesses to new heights as the region continues to evolve. Weâre here to make our big brand partners the best out there, and if youâre serious about being the best, make sure to give us a call.
All-Cash Transaction Unlocks Significant, Unrealized Value for Boyd Shareholders
Boyd, FanDuel Extend Market-Access Agreements through 2038
Boyd Gaming Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Company’s 5% equity interest in FanDuel Group to Flutter Entertainment plc for cash consideration of $1.755 billion.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company intends to use net proceeds to reduce debt.
Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd, said: “This transaction unlocks the tremendous unrealized value that our investment in FanDuel has created for our Company. As a result, we are in a significantly stronger financial position to continue executing our strategy of investing in our properties, pursuing growth opportunities, returning capital to our shareholders, and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”
In addition to purchasing Boyd’s equity interest in FanDuel, Boyd and FanDuel will terminate certain existing market-access agreements between the parties and enter into new agreements to provide, among other things, for an extended term through 2038. The agreements will also provide Boyd with a fixed fee per state from FanDuel’s mobile sports-betting operations in Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania, as well as FanDuel’s online casino operations in Pennsylvania, upon the close of this transaction.  FanDuel will also continue to operate Boyd’s retail sportsbooks outside of Nevada through mid-2026, after which time Boyd will assume responsibility for these operations.
Under terms of the revised market-access agreements with FanDuel, the Company now expects its Online segment will generate $50 million to $55 million in operating income and Adjusted EBITDAR for the full year 2025, and approximately $30 million in 2026.
Smith added: “The partnership between Boyd and FanDuel has been a remarkable success for both companies. FanDuel has emerged as the nation’s clear leader in online sports-betting, while Boyd has been able to leverage this partnership to profitably participate in the rapid growth of sports betting across the country.  It has been a privilege to work with the Flutter and FanDuel teams, and we look forward to supporting FanDuel’s continued growth and success through our market-access agreements across the country.”
Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction.  Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction, with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP advising on the commercial agreements.
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Pavilion Payments Partners with Pawnee Nation to Deliver Seamless Casino Funding Solutions Across All Three Properties
Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payment solutions provider in the gaming industry, has announced a partnership with Pawnee Nation, launching a suite of VIP Preferred funding solutions at their three properties: StoneWolf Casino, Trading Post Casino, and TeePee Casino and Smoke Shop.
Through this partnership, Pawnee Nation will leverage Pavilion Paymentsâ industry-leading VIP Preferred eCheck and Choice4 deferred settlement services at both the cage and VIP Financial Center self-service kiosks. Cash advance will be available at the cage, while the kiosks will offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) and ATM access, providing players with secure, convenient, and flexible funding options. Additionally, Pawnee Nation will implement VIP Shield, Pavilion Paymentsâ comprehensive Title 31 compliance solution, to enhance security and streamline regulatory compliance.
âWeâre proud to partner with Pawnee Nation and support their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Our mission is to empower operators with secure, efficient, and forward-thinking payment technologies. Weâre honored to support Pawnee Nation as they continue to drive innovation in the gaming space by streamlining transactions, strengthening compliance capabilities, and enhancing player satisfaction,â said Dan Connors, Chief Executive Officer of Pavilion Payments.
âPartnering with Pavilion Payments allows us to offer our players flexible and hassle-free funding options backed by trusted, industry-leading technology. This partnership aligns with our commitment to deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting operational excellence across all three properties,â said Robert Wallar, CEO of Pawnee Tribal Development Corp.
By deploying Pavilion Paymentsâ integrated solutions, Pawnee Nation is making it easier for guests to access their funds and enjoy a more seamless and secure experienceâwhile giving casino operators more control, insight, and efficiency in their payments environment.
Casinos.com has revealed the voting results for the tribal and First Nation casinos across the US and Canada that have had the greatest impact on their local communities.
Voted entirely by locals, the results recognize standout casino venues across four U.S. states and three Canadian provinces where tribal and First Nations gaming venues have a heavy presence. Locals were asked to vote for the casino in their area that has had the most significant community impact, whether that be through funding and donations or excellent entertainment services.
Voting Recognizes Seven Standout Casinos for Cultural Impact
The public voting campaign was conducted as part of Casinos.comâs Tribal Casinos Month initiative, dedicated to honoring the achievements, cultural contributions, and economic impact of Indigenous-owned and operated casinos across Canada and the US.
This month-long spotlight aligned with National Indigenous History Month in Canada and complemented broader efforts to recognize the sovereignty of First Nations, Inuit, MĂ©tis and Native American communities.
âWeâre proud to help shine a spotlight on these tribal and First Nation casinos. These are organizations that go above and beyond to deliver meaningful change to their communities. The results reflect the thoughts of the community in terms of not only entertainment excellence, but dedication to cultural preservation, economic resilience, and community uplift,â said Lee Gwilliam, SVP at Casinos.com.
US Winners (percentage of votes in each area):
Michigan â Soaring Eagle Casino (53%)
Operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Soaring Eagle Casino was recognized for its commitment to education, health initiatives, and economic development in the central Michigan region. From scholarships to infrastructure investment, voters praised the casinoâs broad and lasting contributions.
The Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center is directly funded and supported by casino-generated revenue. The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort routinely awards the Au GresâSims School District and Isabella County educational entities with grants that go beyond the 2% revenue-sharing program and fund initiatives such as Chromebook access, STEM curriculum and digital learning.
Florida â Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (54%)
With deep roots in community outreach and cultural celebration, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa was honored for its high-profile support of local nonprofit organizations, disaster relief funding, and job creation across the Tampa Bay area.
Recently, the Seminole Hard Rock made a hefty donation to disaster relief efforts targeting communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It supports World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross. Casinoâs COVID-19 efforts included donating food to Metropolitan Ministries.
California â Yaamavaâ Resort & Casino (44%)
The Yaamavaâ Resort & Casino, owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, was commended for its philanthropic leadership and expansive health, housing, and education programs that benefit the Inland Empire and beyond.
Casino famously supported wildfire relief with a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross. Its $200,000 grant to the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House provided housing for families of critically ill children being treated at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Oklahoma â WinStar World Casino and Resort (49%)
A beacon of economic empowerment in southern Oklahoma, WinStar, operated by the Chickasaw Nation, earned distinction for driving regional growth, supporting healthcare access, and preserving Indigenous heritage.
The Chickasaw Nation has prioritized healthcare by establishing the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and is invested in renewable energy projects.
Canadian Winners:
Ontario â Casino Rama Resort (55%)
Owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Casino Rama stood out for its long-standing support of local arts, youth services, and Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
Casino Rama is big on local arts initiatives, so they enjoy supporting language revitalization projects like Ojibwe classes overseen by the Culture and Research Department and local Indigenous education charities such as Inspire.
Alberta â River Cree Resort and Casino (51%)
This Enoch Cree Nation enterprise was recognized for its focus on employment opportunities, cultural awareness initiatives, and sustained investment in wellness and community development across Alberta.
Through partnerships like the Enoch-Aecon Joint Venture, the Nation works on expanding trades training for Indigenous workers. The Nation also collaborates with educational advocates like Ever Active Schools, which described their work together as âa partnership, a friendship, and a commitment to the wellbeing of the community.â
Saskatchewan â Dakota Dunes Casino (56%)
Operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), Dakota Dunes Casino led voter sentiment for its impactful community programs, including education funding and mental health services in partnership with First Nations organizations.
Dakota Dunes opened a new mental health clinic with on-site access to counseling and wellness support. Major grants were awarded, such as $100,000 for Team Saskatchewan at the North American Indigenous Games, $100,000 to FSIN for a powwow, and $50,000 to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, each supporting Indigenous cultural development.
In 2023, SIGA committed $1.89 million across its casino markets to support food security, mental health services, and Indigenous youth programs, as detailed in the SIGA Annual Report 2023.
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