GMB - Entain founded, in partnership with other companies, Abradie. How did this idea come about and how did the founders understand the importance of creating the entity?
Martin Lycka - Entain founded Abradie – Brazilian Association for the Defense of Sports Integrity in partnership with Genius Sports and Rei Do Pitaco, among others. Abradie's main objective is to help protect the integrity of Brazilian sport and be part of the debate on sports betting regulation in the country from this point of view.
How can each founding member contribute to the development of policies to combat match-fixing and ensure bettors' safety?
All founding members have launched sports integrity policies in their respective markets where operate and intend to take advantage of the lessons they learned in other countries and in Brazil to be able to “educate” all stakeholders about integrity in sport, especially in relation to sports betting.
What is the impact of the announcement of the creation of the entity?
In my opinion, the announcement was positively received not only by the gaming industry, but also by the sports community. Everyone is aware of the need to protect both the sport and the athletes who participate in it.
Does Entain participate in other movements similar to the ones you launched through Abradie?
Yes, Entain participates in other similar movements in other countries around the world where we have licenses.
How has Entain been dealing with match-fixing and protecting sporting integrity?
Entain has an internal department dedicated to sports integrity issues. We also have a team of “traders” who, in addition to setting betting odds, monitor events in the sports markets that Entain offers.
How can the company contribute to the Brazilian government in reducing attempts to manipulate results and how to educate federations, athletes and referees on the subject?
As I have already said, the biggest contribution of the association that we have just launched may be in the form of education related to sporting integrity and the prevention of match fixing.
Entain already has a strong presence in the Brazilian market, with emphasis on Sportingbet, and a lot of success in the country. In your opinion, is this an endorsement for the Group to stand out at Abradie and is it a demonstration of the company's vocation for responsible and transparent gaming?
Entain is fully committed to providing not only the most attractive games for its customers, but also the safest and most sustainable games possible. The basis of this commitment is why Entain has become a leader in the area of responsible and transparent gaming. That's why we are sure that we have the ability to feature prominently in any debate on sports betting regulation.
Do you believe that sports betting regulation should provide for consistent programs to ensure sporting integrity?
No doubt. Sports integrity not only can but should be one of the key pillars of any sports betting regulation.
Is Abradie already looking to get closer to government bodies to offer all the knowledge of the entity and especially the founders of the association on match-fixing? How do you intend to contribute to this debate?
Abradie intends to contribute to this debate by sharing our experiences related to the sports betting sector, in particular regarding how this sector can help protect sporting integrity.
Brazil is huge and with many championships in different formats. How to fight against the manipulation of results, especially in sports/categories with less impact on the national scene?
I think the best and most effective way to fight manipulation is through collaboration with the sports federations that oversee all categories and disciplines of individual sports.
Advances in technology happen all the time. How to be up to date and always offer the best solutions and contribute to a transparent industry that acts effectively in combating irregular practices?
Exactly. Technology plays a very important role in the development of the sports betting industry and gambling in general. The technology at our disposal helps us to ensure that our offer is transparent and protects the well-being of our customers.
Is Abradie already being sought by other players in the market so that they can join the entity? What must they do to join?
Abradie is willing to accept new members as long as they meet all the membership requirements stipulated in its Statute. Interested members can contact the Board of the Association.
Specifically about Entain, what are the company's plans for Brazil in the near future?
Entain has already publicly committed to obtaining Brazilian licenses as they become available.
Source: Exclusive GMB
