GMB – How do you evaluate the Brazilian iGaming Summit?
Jesús Rafael Campos – It was a pleasant surprise for us. It is BetConnections' first foray into the gaming activity and everything that is being prepared for the regulation of the activity in Brazil. We were very well received and the event was very complete and very well organized. BiS allowed us an excellent approach with many players interested in our services and technology, as well as opening up new business possibilities.
What did you achieve at the event?
More than anything, we show our technological capacity and the services we offer to provide operators with technological support and the development of bespoke systems. We detected that the industry is the size we imagined and we realized that the arrival of gaming regulation in Brazil will make this market grow even more.
What does BetConnections have to offer the Brazilian market?
We have cutting edge technology and at the forefront in the development of gaming platforms, mainly focused on eSports and sports betting. In addition, we have a unique product, Exchange Deportivo (Sports Exchange ). There is no other company like ours in Latin America with this technological capability and with unique games, which we do not only offer to operators, as we make it available for both B2B and B2C businesses. It allows, among other things, that players bet against other players, which is an innovation in the market.
What is your impression on the Brazilian market?
The Brazilian market has great potential and there is a lot of expectation about it. I have no doubt that it will be the most important in Latin America and one of the biggest in the world. There is a lot of enthusiasm on the part of operators and everyone is waiting for regulation. Consistent legislation will be important for the entire industry, which will make Brazil the champion of sports betting on our continent.
And do you expect regulation soon?
This has been discussed for a long time, but implementation is still somewhat uncertain for BetConnections and for part of the industry. In any case, we are very hopeful that this will all happen as soon as possible.
How is BetConnections working in other LATAM countries?
We have an office in Argentina, our latest venture, where we are working hard to consolidate there. We currently have a presence in 12 countries in Latin America, in addition to businesses in Africa and Europe. That's why we are consolidated. Latin America is seeking regulation in several countries and this is a unique stage, where other countries are on this path. BetConnections is following this movement very closely.
What is the origin of BetConnections?
We are entrepreneurs of Venezuelan origin, but an important investment company from Argentina has joined BetConnections. Our activity migrated from Venezuela to Paraguay, where we currently have our main office. In addition, we have offices in Argentina, Dominican Republic and the United States. Our next step, with the regulations, will be to open an office in Brazil.
How is business in Venezuela, since President Nicolas Maduro authorized the reopening of the casinos?
Venezuela is a territory where gaming is deeply rooted in the population. It is in the DNA of Venezuelans, who are very involved in horse racing, lotteries and sports betting. Also during Hugo Chaves' government, many lotteries and casinos were closed. Recently, the government created new conditions for operators to participate. It is an interesting condition, but we are in the first steps towards the resumption of activity in the country.
And are they already open?
Yes, they are open and operating, under a unique regulatory framework, but the business will gradually evolve within the limitations that any resumption of activities causes to an economic sector.
Source: Exclusive GMB
