GMB – Genius Sports was present at BiS SiGMA, which has become a global event, as well as the company itself. You have been highlighted in the Brazilian media for your training in the area of integrity. I would like you to talk about the current situation of Genius and Brazil.
Guilherme Buso – What a moment! This fair represented a very large reflection of the market and everything we are experiencing. Those who have been to previous editions know that there has been a radical and sudden change, which demonstrates the size of the market in Brazil. For us it was very important to be at BiS SiGMA and showcase our portfolio of products, which range from the work we do for federations around the world, services we offer to bookmakers such as risk management and also the relevant work for sporting integrity.
Today, in Brazil, we are in a delicate moment regarding the manipulation of results, but a reality that is there and that we have to fight. Genius Sports is working very hard, collaborating with the entire ecosystem, not only with bookmakers but also with sports entities. We have held workshops with leagues and clubs so that we not only monitor, but educate athletes and teams, showing the harmful effects of match-fixing and the impact it has on sport as a whole.
And contributing with the parliamentarians, in the CPI that discusses the subject. Does it has all the necessary tools and knowledge to inform the decisions they will make?
Exactly. It is a delicate issue and there is no ready and quick response to combat match-fixing. It is a collective work and everyone needs to be together, exchanging insights and using technology to detect and then fight, but mainly to educate. We have seen in some cases that those involved do not see that they are manipulating. “Ah, taking a yellow one won’t hurt!”. This damages the image of the sport. It is a collective work that we are leading as a moment together with the Brazilian Association for the Defense of the Integrity of Sport, along with some clubs and bookmakers. We are managing to work with the government collaborating with everyone.
You commented on the greatness of BiS SiGMA. Is this one more demonstration of the global market's interest in Brazil and Latin America?
I think so. There is market maturity, in which we see that conversations are much more professional, advanced and mature. This attracts the attention of markets that are already advanced, whether in terms of integrity or in terms of betting and casino businesses. We are in a mature moment in Brazil and this is fantastic for new businesses and the development of new fronts.
How do you see the future of sports betting regulation in Brazil?
It's a very difficult question. The important thing is for regulation to take place, as it brings the transparency and modernization that the market deserves. Whether by Provisional Measure or Bill, the movement needs to be made. And we, as a sports odds provider, working directly with sports and bookmakers, are ready to collaborate in whatever happens and whatever is necessary.
Source: Exclusive GMB
