GMB - How do you evaluate the current moment of the gaming legalization process in Brazil?
Witoldo Hendrich Júnior - The subject was again discussed; which is very good for us. I think there are still some problmes to solve yet, of course. In my talk during the BGC 2018, I made it very clear that there are still many groups trying to bring water to their mills. As long as we have this scenario, this will delay the legislative process. What I think would be very important for us is really convince the industry that together we are stronger, together we can get where we want. In this fractured way, there is only delay in the legislative process.
What does it take for the industry to achieve this union you mention? Do we need to find a "messiah" who assumes this function of unifying the groups?
That's a pretty tricky question, especially from what I said. I have no claim to be that person, to be a "messiah." But, I agree that if we had one person or at least one group that could speak for everyone, it would be a spectacular gain for the whole industry.
Do you believe that there is already someone or a group that could take that position?
No, but, I'm doing my best so I can bring people together.
Returning to the topic of Online IPS, what are the company's plans for Brazil after the legalization of the activity?
What we expect is the legalization of the activity so that we can do what we already do and know how to do. The headquarters of our office is in the United States, we have operations in Europe, here in Brazil, and we are starting in Colombia and Peru. What we really need is the legalization of gaming in Brazil so that we can make for the gaming industry what we do for the whole world.
Online IPS was an exhibitor in the last two editions of BgC. What was the basis of this decision?
Brazil is a natural market for us. We operate here in different industries such as sale of products, lodging, services; adult market with relationship sites. And the gaming industry on the horizon is certainly a target for us. Therefore, it makes sense to participate in BgC.
And what return did you have of this second participation in BgC? Did you have the chance to make new business or contacts?
As always BgC is the best place for networking in the industry. So we have the opportunity to strengthen the networking we have, to meet people, to talk to everyone. For us it is very important to be with everyone in the market at once.
Tell us a little bit about what Online IPS has currently done and what plans for the near future?
This is the second consecutive year of growth of the company in the regulated market, which are the legal activities in Brazil. But with regard to gambling, we are increasingly partnering for the post-regulatory moment. So in terms of growth, we have managed to grow organically in the legalized industry, but we are strengthening partnerships for the post-regulatory market with the gaming industry. We are just waiting for the law to leverage the company once and for all.
Source: GMB Exclusive
