GMB: We are with Charmaine Hogan, head of regulatory affairs for Playtech. How are you finding the show this year? it's been busy?
Charmine Hogan: Hi, very nice to meet you. Very busy, I think it's very exciting, part because last year we had a very sort of reduced version, so I think we all are extremely happy to be here. You have seen our stand, nice, big, busy, we have been here since Monday, I think it's going fantastically well.
Yes, it is busy. Do you have any new products exhibiting this year?
Sure, you can see all my colleagues in our stand, from different verticals like retail, online, live casino, poker and sports betting, all of our products present. It's all here, and they are showcasing our new launches, sure.
Playtech recent annual revenue reports were very good, how are you expecting to continue such growth globally?
We do expect it to continue. We do expect an upward trajectory, and more and more markets globally are looking at regulating these days, and that keeps us happily busy, especially in my role. If you think of North America, LatAm markets, even Europe, there is so many opportunities for growth, both online and retail.
And do you have any specific regard with the LatAm market?
Well, I think that we have to pick three markets everyone is talking about right? Which are Brazil, Chile and Peru. Colombia, of course, that is a fantastic market, and where we have been present for a while, same with Mexico. We always like to say, of course each market has its own specifics, but Colombia and Mexico are doing so well in this region, that if you are looking to regulate Peru, Chile... look at your neighbors, who have gotten right in terms of the product, market sizes, operators directing, the investment coming in, etc. I use Colombia as an example because in my view the regulators sort of takes a view on the market and then improve where there was room for improvement, like when they introduce live casino shortly after they have regulated. And I think that's a plus, we don't expect all regulators politicians to get their market right from day one, but you need to consider that it is the online environment, it is happening, players are online at the moment, so bring everything under your local control, your local supervision, but regulate.
You have Brazil, everyone is waiting for Brazil to regulate, both sports betting as well as online gaming because that is a debate that is happening in Congress. We would like to positively see those debates continuing, because I think is important for the country in terms of revenue, yes, but in terms of your players as well. And in terms of acknowledging what is out there, but also what your citizens are wanting to do, so give them that opportunity as well.
So Playtech is well place and ready for regulation in Brazil as soon as it happens.
We are. I think that when you are a big supplier you are used to work in across many markets, you are used about the different type of regulations that come in. You are a supplier, so you are addressing all those different items in so many markets globally. It can happen quickly sometimes, I'm not saying is the best, but we are always ready quickly to adapt to those situations and meet the agenda of what the licensees want on the market. If you have to ask me what to tell a regulator, I would say: as much as you put so much effort into getting your licensing conditions right, your tax rate right, put enough emphasis and give enough time to get all those technical requirements right, because the development takes time as well to get it right, to have a product out there that is attractive and competitive and that gives players what they want in the online environment.
Very comprehensive, that is great, thanks very much Charmaine. It's been very informative, have a great show and see you soon.
See you soon.
Source: Exclusive GMB
