Ludovico Calvi, one of the world's leading authorities on sports integrity and an expert in lotteries and sports betting, attended last week’s BFEXPO 2022 in São Paulo, where he participated in panels and meetings to discuss the regulation of the sector and topics such as sponsorship, regulation and sports integrity.
In a conversation with GMB, the CEO of the Global Lottery Monitoring System admitted that the regulatory process is taking a long time to reach the implementation of the decree that will officially implement and launch a market that already exists. But he understands that the Ministry of Economy is doing serious work and is focused on the search for the best international practices.
GMB – How do you see the current moment of the sports betting sector in Brazil?
Ludovico Calvi – I think it is a great opportunity for Brazil to regulate and officially launch a market that already exists and that does not yet have the implementation decree. I think clubs, sports entities, operators and the regulator are working to create the most sustainable market conditions possible. The aim is to legalize sports betting in Brazil and also provide an opportunity for foreign and local investors to create the employment conditions that Brazil needs.
And isn't it taking too long for this regulation to arrive, given that the law that created sports betting was passed almost four years ago?
Yes. I think that in the last eight months there was a development project at the Ministry of Economy, which is working to create the conditions, structure, teams, competences and best practices, studying the lessons learned in other countries to bring to Brazil an innovative model not only for the country, but also for Latin America and even for the United States.
As one of the industry's leading experts, have you been consulted by Brazilian authorities to contribute to regulation?
Yes. I was consulted on issues of integrity in sports. I am chairman of a worldwide integrity platform, based in Switzerland, with offices in Hong Kong, Asia, Europe, Denmark and Canada. We monitor possible manipulation of results worldwide. What is the Ministry of Economy doing? They are seeking to implement, in the regulatory decree, certain processes to create a platform of certified integrity. When operators purchase the license or authorization, they will be able to use the services of these global integrity platforms. Not only is responsible gaming and consumer protection, but sporting integrity is very important to the entire ecosystem. We are hee today at the biggest football fair in the world and it is important that athletes are also protected.
Integrity is a very sensitive segment within the sports betting industry...
Sure. It's very important. The Global Lottery Monitoring System trains officers and police around the world, explaining how match-fixing happens and how criminal organizations currently operate. They grew from the pandemic, when they started buying clubs from series B and C with the aim of manipulating results in football. The world of sport is vulnerable and we have to increase the level of vigilance.
And bookmakers have no interest in manipulating results. They are the main victims!
Certainly. Bookmakers sponsor monitoring, studies and training courses on integrity in sport. They explain the phenomenon of manipulation, which is global. Gambling on one continent ends up being exploited in another country and the money resulting from manipulation ends up going to a third. It is very difficult for the police around the world to find the entire process of this network that is managing to manipulate the results. So, it is important to have global monitoring around the world.
So is it important that this issue be well established in the regulation?
That’s right. The best practices exist and Brazil is in a position to implement what already exists. As it is not a local phenomenon, but a global one, it is very important that standards are high and best practices followed.
Source: Exclusive GMB
