GMB - For an important businessman who started his career in Brazil when bingos were allowed, how do you feel now that the country is move forward in a gaming legalization process, even if it started with sports betting?
Johnny Ortiz- I can’t help but say that it is an important first step for people that gaming become legal, as it is good for society because everyone will come out winning. This event was a fantastic initiative of the Paulista Football Federation because it is showing the seriousness that is given to this product.
And how do you evaluate members' participation in a meeting like this? What does this represent for the gaming market?
We have to say that the government itself, through Secretary Alexandre, Undersecretary Waldir, has made it very clear that it is seeing with good eyes the activity and the advantages this sector can bring to society, both for sports entities and for everyone. There is one thing they are saying, and that is true, 'if gambling is not legal, it is illegal'; We must not forget that illegal gambling in Brazil moves billions of dollars and does not bring any taxes or advantages to Brazilian society.
Does Zitro have projects to work with sports betting in Brazil when the regulation of the activity is ready?
We always have projects. We have to see how the legislation will turn out, if it is a good regulation -it seems it will be-, surely we will be watching to be able to somehow come here with legalized gambling. And as Secretary Alexandre said, with an important and strong compliance for the companies showing the seriousness of this sector.
Zitro's crown jewel is the machines for bingo and casinos. What is your expectation for the legalization process of these two activities in Brazil?
It is not a jewel just for Zitro, but for all of society. And there are also big companies interested because today Brazil, together with Cuba, is one of the few countries that does not have legalized gambling. So, with the sports betting initiative, I hope that eyes get opened not only to the market, but to the Congress in general to see the great advantage we will have here. Be it for casinos, for bingo, for machines, whatever.
Do you believe there is any risk if there is a decision of legalizing just sports betting, as Brazil is doing in a first step?
I think this law should be open to everyone, because from the moment some modalities are excluded it generates illegal gambling, as happened in the United States with the dry law last century because there market will exist anyway. So, the important thing is to open all sectors of this industry, especially with a strict control on it.
Source: Exclusivo Games Magazine Brasil
