Brazil is gearing up for its highly-anticipated market launch on January 1 and with the primary regulation already finalised industry stakeholders are now turning their attention to the pertinent topic of Responsible Gambling (RG) and player protection.
How will Brazil’s intensified focus on RG shape the future of its gaming industry?
Which Latin American country sets the regional benchmark in RG standards?
And what lessons can Brazil adopt to ensure a successful rollout?
We spoke to two of Betsson’s best, Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Responsible Gaming, and Andre Gelfi, Managing Partner of Betsson Group Brazil, to get closer to the answers.
iGF Head of Content Curtis Roach began by asking:
What are your thoughts on the current state of regulation in Brazil? There seems to be an increased focus on technical requirements. How do you think this will impact the market going forward, and how can operators best set themselves up for success in the future?
Andre Gelfi: “Regulation in Brazil has, in fact, already reached completion with the publication of all ordinances. These regulations are pretty rigorous regarding technical requirements, which is a very positive step.
“This level of rigour tends to separate the wheat from the chaff, distinguishing operators with the technical capacity to work in a demanding, regulated market from those simply seeking a place but lacking the know-how and capability to operate within strict guidelines.
“This distinction is essential in the current context of the Brazilian market.”
LatAm is a relatively new market – still in acquisition mode and with much to learn. How do the region’s Responsible Gambling frameworks compare to those of more established European markets, and what, if necessary, will it take for them to reach the required standard?
Andre Gelfi: “The Latin American market is currently in the process of regulating, with its primary focus on expansion and acquisition.
“However, it won’t take long for best practices in responsible gambling to be fully implemented here as we have immediate access to established references from more mature markets, especially in Europe.
“In today’s interconnected world these best practices are quickly accessible, allowing us to adopt and implement them almost instantly. Therefore, we see it as a short-term matter to adjust responsible gambling policies to suit the realities of emerging Latin American markets.”
Are there any LatAm countries leading the way in regulation and RG frameworks? What key aspects do you think Brazil can adopt to improve their market?
Andre Gelfi: “We understand that the most mature market in terms of responsible gaming in Latin America is the Colombian market. Recently, in collaboration with local associations, Coljuegos–the country’s gambling regulator–introduced new regulations that align closely with best practices in established markets.
“In our view, Brazil is following a similar path. Starting on January 1st, we will see the regulation in action. From that point on, adjustments can be made if necessary.
“We understand that the Brazilian regulator is very open to making any necessary adjustments but is keen to begin operations with the regulations that have already been published.”
November sees an explosion in RG activities as Safer Gambling Week takes place in Europe and the UK. How has Betsson contributed to Safer Gambling Week initiatives?
Eduards Jakubovs: “Betsson Group has always supported this initiative passionately. We think raising awareness about player safety and safer gambling tools, practices, and policies is extremely important.
“This year, we supported and participated in a record number of initiatives. In November, we joined Next.io’s Responsible Gambling Symposium in Malta, taking the hot seat and answering questions from the audience in a high-stakes session.
“For Safer Gambling Week 2024 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, we participated in EGR Global’s online Safer Gambling Forum.
“And for the event’s European version, I participated in the webinar ‘Safer Gambling Tools: Innovations, Effectiveness, and Best Practices’. ”
Editor’s Note:
Whether it’s licensing fees or technical and operational standards, Brazil is setting the bar high and demanding excellence from its newly-licensed operators.
According to Andre Gelfi, this is a positive step as it separates the “wheat from the chaff” and differentiates capable operators, who can thrive in a demanding and highly-regulated market from those who cannot.
Comparing Latin American RG frameworks, Gelfi and Jakubovs point out that Colombia currently leads the region in responsible gaming practices. Still, in their view, it won’t be long before Brazil catches up, as the country’s regulator seems flexible and willing to adapt regulations as the market requires.
And, with examples of best practices readily accessible from more mature markets outside the region, adapting these RG policies to suit “the realities of these emerging Latin American markets” is merely a matter of time.
