GMB - How do you analyze the current state lotteries scenario in Brazil and what are the future expectations?
Amilton Noble - I am very happy to see an event of this magnitude being held here in Rio de Janeiro. This shows that the Brazilian market is thriving and is truly being noticed by international companies, which is very good for the sector, as there is much room for growth. The movement of state lotteries, which we have fought hard to see grow and of which we are one of the great advocates for this moment to arrive, is very fruitful.
Many states are moving, albeit with some restrictions on these movements, which are part of the game. Each one has its legitimacy to choose its model. But I think the moment is very positive because unlike the past, today there is a lot happening in state lotteries.
How do you see the determination that came from Law 14790 that a company applying for a national license will only be able to apply in one state?
I see this as a major blow to the market for state lotteries. I even classified it as the biggest blow since Decree-Law 204/67. I understand that states have the autonomy to define their operator and operators also have their autonomy to effectively define which state they want to operate in.
I think a commercial dispute should not be established with restrictions. In my opinion, national operators need to improve their products to compete with state operators. When you limit growth capacity, relegating only small operators the opportunity to have exploration in states, it seems like unfair competition to me.
Are new states working towards implementing their state lotteries?
I work for all 27 states to have their state lotteries. I will work every day to see this moment happen because we understand that there is room for everyone. State operations complement federal regulation. What I have said several times is that some operators are not robust enough to start with a national operation. They can gain strength by doing a regional operation in one state, then two, three, then five, until they are able to have national reach.
So, I understand it as a complementary way and that the government spheres should work together for this to happen in this way.
Do states have a predisposition to implement their lotteries?
The movements we are following indicate yes. Several states have moved, Rio de Janeiro has moved, as has Paraná. São Paulo is in the process of releasing the tender. In Tocantins, we will have a tender happening in the next few days. Things are happening. As I said, I understand that some models are not the most suitable, but it is better to have a bad model than no model at all.
So, I am quite happy with this moment, with plenty of opportunities, companies already operating in some states. Paraíba is already advanced, just like Paraná, Rio de Janeiro has just reopened its accreditation process. I argue that it is a very viable and tangible alternative, so that no one has the capacity to say in the future that they did not have a chance to be regulated.
Source: Exclusive GMB
