Among the main objectives of Aigaming is the promotion of collective interests of its members and facilitating the development of lottery intermediation, sports betting, and online gaming segments.
The Association, which now expands on the previous scope of Aidiglot (Association of Digital Intermediaries of Lottery Games), will strive to make the sector more competitive by encouraging even more transparent processes, generating more revenue for the public sector, and making games safer for the end customer.
To further ensure the provision of good service to the sector, Aigaming has appointed the new president, Waldir Eustáquio Marques Júnior, a profound expert in the Brazilian gaming, betting, and lottery market.
Recently hired by WA.Technology as Director of Regulatory Affairs, Waldir is the former president of Caixa Loterias. Before that, he served as Undersecretary of Prize and Sweepstakes Regulation in the former Ministry of Economy, now the Treasury. He holds a degree in Law, with university extensions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas UNLV (Essentials of Gaming Law & Regulation Course) and the University of Nevada, Reno (Strategic Perspectives in the Gaming Industry). He was a member of ENCCLA - National Strategy to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering and the Financial Activities Control Council COAF, from 2012 to 2022. He was also a voting member of the International Association of Gaming Regulators IAGR from 2015 to 2022.
GMB - You have just assumed the presidency of Aigaming. What are your goals leading the entity?
Waldir Eustáquio Marques Júnior - To promote the collective interests of our members and facilitate their development by providing a range of services related to lottery intermediaries, sports betting, online gaming, and the digital platforms that generate significant value in the gaming and betting market ecosystem.
Aigaming is the successor to the former Aidiglot. What has changed with this reformulation? The Association has expanded its scope to encompass the entire ecosystem, from its core lottery game intermediations to digital platforms and online gaming.
Aidiglot's goal was for its associates to be recognized as an important channel for lottery product commercialization. Will Aigaming continue to defend this stance?
Yes, definitely. The gaming industry is extensive, and there are opportunities for various operating models to coexist, resulting in growth and maturity of the market. Lottery products are a reality in the national market and should be explored in new models in a mature, regulated, and prosperous market for all.
Who can join Aigaming?
All companies related to the gaming ecosystem can join. Online gaming companies, operators, technology companies for the segment, information security companies focusing on lottery products, casinos, sports betting, quality certifiers, etc.
You have been very active in regulation after the legalization of sports betting in 2018. Do you believe that the current format of Law 14,790 adequately meets the industry's needs?
One of the words that can define this market moment is abundance. This is the great advantage that this market can offer, all this plus a range of infinite possibilities in the hands of the bettor. Bill 3626/23, which regulated fixed-odds online sports betting, known as "bets", sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the end of 2023, establishes rules for the operation of online sports betting.
Sports betting was legalized in Brazil in 2018 by Law 13,756. This law provided for the possibility that Brazilians could bet on houses hosted in international territory. The recent sanction of Law 14,790 by President Lula further regulated the operation of these bets, establishing guidelines and changes, such as the taxation of 15% on bettors' winnings.
At this current moment, lottery game revenue has shown an average annual growth rate of 6.5%. An expansion of the lottery gaming market made possible by the establishment of a regulatory framework suitable for the development of intermediation services for this activity contributes both to the decline of inequalities and social ills observed in Brazilian reality and to the stimulus of considerable increments in the national wealth portfolio, both directly, in job creation and income generation, and indirectly, through the multiplier effect on the economy.
This Law has the power to show that in a country or state where gambling is regulated, operators can offer fun and interactive games to the public under strict regulation, exercising responsibility with vulnerable people and minors, and returning to society part of the profit generated by their games through social contributions.
Until the national gaming market matures, I believe the law will undergo constant improvements.
How do you see the current moment of the lottery sector, with state initiatives to launch their local operations, and how will Aigaming interact with the States?
Interaction with the states tends to be an excellent opportunity to endorse the subject and evolve with the desire of associated companies to tread the best path for all, along with regulation. In addition to making the sector more competitive, it will encourage even more transparent processes, generate more revenue for the public sector, and make games safer for the end customer, by relying on regulated companies that offer rigorously defined Responsible Gaming conditions. The natural path is beneficial to all parties; this interaction will become increasingly routine, as this is an important time to understand the paths being followed.
Will Aigaming have a significant role in the discussions regarding the regulation of sports betting?
Yes, Aigaming has been seeking improvements and regulation for the sector alongside the government. Among the advances being achieved is the imminent vote by the National Congress on the final text that regulates the sector comprehensively and coherently, promoting legal certainty, foreign investment, and fostering the economy with a higher level of sector compliance, combating possible negative side effects such as money laundering in addition to promoting responsible gaming practices.
What does Aigaming have to offer its members?
We offer our members relevant content, specialized networking and legal support, essential to prosper in this new scenario. Our association is a central hub for everything related to the world of online gaming, from cutting-edge technology to socially responsible practices.
Through exclusive events, workshops and discussion forums, we promote the exchange of ideas and collaboration between members, strengthening the online gaming community in Brazil. Aigaming is dedicated to maximizing the benefits of regulation for our members, ensuring they are well equipped to face challenges and make the most of growth opportunities.
Source: Exclusive GMB
