GMB – Do you think there has been a paradigm shift for BiS SiGMA Americas? Tell us also about GLI's participation in the event.
Valter Delfraro Jr. – It is a thrill to host a fair of this size in our country. We have never seen anything like it in all of Latin America. GLI, as always, is present, showing the importance of all processes involving this industry. Among them, certification, responsible gaming, security and compliance. For us, it was a great event and reinforces the emotion of seeing that Brazil hosts a fair like this one, which will take our industry to another level.
Many operators are saying that as soon as the sports betting regulation comes out they will look for certifications like the ones from GLI. Shouldn't they already be doing this?
Have no doubt. Certification should not only be related to regulation. We know that the regulation will bring several technical requirements and guide a certification, but the operator can already start the certification process and this will advance the whole process. The importance of certifying a platform, regardless of regulation, will guarantee and show that the platform is ready and works the way it should. This will bring security to the market and to the player.
It's very important that they start this process and I spoke on a panel about this. Once the certification is obtained, the operator can go to any other market. He can do the GLI-19 certification, for online games, for example, and seek the GLI-33, for sports betting, can complement. When going through one, a gap analysis is carried out to identify what other jurisdictions ask for, certifying those points not yet considered in the first certification. This is much faster and easier.
Does it streamline the process and prepare the operator and platform to go to any market?
Have no doubt. In many jurisdictions where gambling is regulated, this is a requirement and for those where it is not, it opens doors as it is an important differentiator.
You commented on responsible gaming, which is also one of the backbones of the operation, as it provides transparency and protection for the end user. This is fundamental, isn't it?
Responsible gaming is the method and what breaks the legs of those who say the industry is not concerned about ludopathy. Anyone who knows and has already dedicated time to researching and learning about responsible gambling will see how this program clearly brings everything that is needed to support the player who understands gambling as a way to earn a living and not as entertainment. The process is to change this concept and GLI has a strong work in this sense. Our top responsible gaming expert helped the WLA (World Lottery Association) write the responsible gaming framework. We help from designing a program, for those who don't have one, to submitting it to the WLA.
When talking about regulation and certification, everyone only imagines technical things, but responsible gaming has aspects of behavior and psychology!
There are some technical things, like tools that the responsible gaming program determines as an obligation for platforms. And that's part of the certification program, like self-exclusion. If a player identifies as a gambler, he needs to be given the opportunity to self-exclude or limit his bets. All of these are tools that a platform that adheres to responsible gaming has to make available to the player in an easy and quick way, as that moment of awareness sometimes lasts no more than three seconds.
Are there also education aspects?
Have no doubts. It's an awareness program. And more importantly, it is raising awareness and showing that gambling is an entertainment activity.
Returning to the fair, where GLI is looking for new contacts, both with operators already present in the market and those who are coming, what is your summary of the company's success in being at BiS SiGMA?
For us, it is always important to be at any event. Our commitment to the market is always to be ahead of what is to come when operators and software developers need our help, whatever it may be. So, more than ever, our presence at BiS SiGMA was extremely productive and important.
Source: Exclusive GMB
