GMB - Betsson has been preparing appropriately by following and acting in horse race betting. How is this new moment of getting ready for the much-anticipated regulated sports betting market?
Andre Gelfi - We have a new dynamic when applying for a license, something unprecedented in Brazil. We know the country well and understand the reality of our industry. It’s a new side, dealing with the regulator from a tangible and palpable perspective.
As for the regulatory process, we are familiar with the procedures and all the bureaucracy it requires, as well as the commercial aspects of working in this segment in Brazil, both in terms of challenges and opportunities. We’ve been in the market for a long time, and I believe that this experience helps us make the right decisions to navigate the licensing process in Brazil. Betsson has submitted the application, and now we are working to ensure everything is ready as soon as possible to start operating.
You’ve been through this in other Latin American countries like Argentina, Peru, Mexico... Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and now Brazil. We are very excited about the process and believe that the regulatory framework was done in a balanced way, evidenced by the number of interested parties that presented themselves to the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets of the Ministry of Finance. We’ll see how this unfolds now. We are going through a moment of revision and discussion about the social inclusion aspect of our sector. Let’s see how it progresses, and it could be an opportunity to make some improvements to the regulatory framework.
Regarding deadlines, we are approaching January 1st, 2025. Will everything be resolved in terms of product and platform certifications?
This process is very challenging. You’ve asked a very precise question. We have tight deadlines to meet. The regulation was finalized at the end of July. There’s a lot of work analyzing the documentation on the government’s side, and they are working intensively on it. We also have the matter of product adaptation in accordance with the regulation published in late July so that we can begin certification. Product development is being handled with compliance, and we are figuring out how we will proceed with certification. The laboratories face the challenge of conducting this process quickly because we have short deadlines to start operations and transition from offshore to onshore by January 1st. So, the challenge is for the entire industry.
Does Betsson Group feel somewhat at ease in a situation like this, given its six-decade-long global experience that enables it to be prepared for Brazil?
Each process is unique, but on the other hand, having participated in other processes gives you experience for this. This will be our 23rd license, and we have a clear understanding of how to handle regulation. The challenges aren’t necessarily the same, but we know the process. We are working on it to see if we can operate in Brazil as soon as possible.
What is your message to regulatory bodies and laboratories, especially as the president of an institute that advocates for responsible gaming, given that we are nearing January 1st?
Our big challenge is understanding what’s happening with the dynamics and fulfilling our responsibilities. As operators, we’re engaging with regulators and suppliers to align perspectives and challenges, so we can harmonize these interests to achieve something beneficial for everyone.
There are aspects of our activity that need to be addressed carefully, and responsible gaming is one of them. I believe it’s crucial to have this clear in both communication and operational policies. We are in constant communication with the government to see how they can also support us on this matter. There must be consequences for those who don’t comply with the agreed terms.
Source: Exclusive GMB
