GMB - What is your assessment of Hebara's performance and growth in 2022? Was it what you expected or did it exceed expectations?
Amilton Noble - 2022 was an important year for Hebara's new cycle. After almost three decades of operation, through successive contracts with Loterj, Hebara recently stopped operating lotteries in Rio de Janeiro and started to study all lottery opportunities in other states.
Due to the electoral calendar, movements in favor of launching state lotteries were slower than they should have been.
Our expectation was that several states would already be operating their lotteries in 2022, but we are optimistic and we are sure that 2023 will be a year of several innovations in the segment.
Could you list the main accomplishments or goals achieved?
Our greatest achievement was having actively participated in all ongoing bidding processes, as well as having participated in the PMIs in the State of São Paulo and Pernambuco, presenting customized models for each state reality.
I highlight the State of Minas Gerais as an example to be followed, for the transparency in the bidding process, holding two public hearings, in addition to allowing the contribution of interested parties to improve the Public Notice.
This is our desire for all states.
In your sector within the industry, what topics or technological advances do you think will dominate the market in 2023? What will be the future trends?
The pandemic was certainly a watershed in the gaming and lottery segment, as it provided a rapid acceleration of digital initiatives. And it became an irreversible path.
It should be noted that, at least in state lotteries, the modernization of products was only pacified in September 2020, with the decision of the STF in ADPFs 492 and 493. Until then, legal uncertainty was an inhibitor of greater investments.
Now with the perspective of longer contracts, the expectation is the best possible. The big trend for the lottery segment is the regulation of fixed odds bets, which I am convinced will be the keynote of the new year.
Have you noticed that the Brazilian gaming market has evolved this year, or has it missed another opportunity? What do you see about the regulation in the country for 2023?
We have been skating for several decades in the gaming industry. All because of unfounded prejudices about the segment. They are dogmas held for a long period. Meanwhile we lose jobs, taxes, income and economic movement, in addition to continuing to turn a blind eye to unregulated or illegal gambling.
I have no doubt that this cycle is closing and that we will have a different 2023, with regulated modalities and with enormous job creation.
We cannot continue to hear that a project that has been discussed in Congress for 31 years (Bill 442/91) is not ready to be voted on. The time has come to decide. The Senate will need to assume its constitutional role and guide the vote.
What are Hebara’s main goals/objectives for 2023?
Participate in all state lottery bids, in addition to operating in the regulated sports betting market with an international partner, leader in the segment where it operates.
In addition, I intend to continue contributing to a qualified discussion about the necessary regulation of all the modalities that are approved. I highlight the important performance of the OAB-DF and OAB-RJ Gaming Commissions, which have been a forum for debates at the highest level.
Source: Exclusive GMB
