GMB – The entity has just been launched in Brasilia. What does this mean for the Brazilian sports betting market and the gaming sector?
Andre Gelfi – We finally got the CNPJ and the official launch happened soon after. We have been working since March, but we have finally managed to formalize the work. The institute represents a collaboration chamber to discuss relevant topics so that the market develops in the most sustainable way possible and we manage to have something that is harmonious with Brazilian society. It is what we are pleading.
Especially at a time when there are so many reports of betting manipulation, which compromise both sport and sportsbooks, which are the biggest victims of this criminal practice!
Exactly. Sports are totally related to our activity. If you do not have the unpredictability of the result and if this is not protected, the activity of betting ceases to make sense. It is essential that we are part of this conversation. I even mention that we signed an agreement with the IBIA – International Betting Integrity Association precisely to work on this issue and make it easier for us to have awareness and educate Brazilian sportsmen, to know what is behind the manipulation and so that they are more protected, aware and that can take appropriate action if approached by a criminal.
It is an activity that involves all segments, such as sports, professional associations, organizations such as the institute and regulatory entities. Is it possible to sit at the same table and work towards a common goal, which is to curb match-fixing?
I think this event epitomizes that. It is the second edition of an event that has become a discussion forum where ideas and plans come out to work on the issue, which is an absolutely undesirable externality for sport, society and the betting segment. We are honored to be part of this discussion. We are open and available to participate proactively in the discussions that will be held between trade associations, government and operators to clarify this issue and reduce wrongdoing.
The CBF itself said that it will not suspend the championship and that it is at the disposal of the authorities and all those who seek to understand and curb the practice. In addition, the Minister of Justice ordered the Federal Police to investigate the complaints. How do you rate this moment?
It's very positive. In this crisis, mobilization comes out, which is fundamental to deal with this issue and I see it as a very optimistic perspective.
Why did accusations of manipulation grow so much in Brazil? Was it the arrival of bookmakers and the spread of this new economic activity?
This dynamic is still new because the segment is new in Brazil. Match-fixing has been around for a long time and has been dealt with for a long time by regulators, operators and the entities that are designed to deal with it. In Brazil, we have vulnerability due to the lack of knowledge on the part of athletes. This problem is complex, but I don't have an absolutely firm opinion of where the whole core of this dynamic lies. Awareness, discussion and mobilization are fundamental. And regulation is a cornerstone of this whole story. From the regulation we will have a more harmonious relationship between the betting segment and national sport.
Source: Exclusive GMB
