GMB - How are Entain's global businesses doing?
Martin Lycka - Business is doing well, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States. Entain is one of the largest betting and online gaming companies in the world. Today, we have licenses in over 30 countries and more than 25 states in the United States. So, everything is going very well. Additionally, we continue our commitment to offering interesting and fun games, in a sustainable and responsible manner.
What is Entain's plan to increasingly operate in the Brazilian market, which is regulating itself?
First, I would like to thank the Brazilian government for all the work that has been done to regulate the market. A few months ago, we were not sure what the market would be regulated, and on December 30, the law on sports betting and online gaming was published. Our sector, thanks to the work of the current Brazilian government, has managed to regulate the market. Therefore, Entain, with its Sportingbet brand, is preparing to launch in Brazil as soon as it opens.
As Entain has several leading brands in the global market, does it intend to bring other houses besides Sportingbet to Brazil?
The main brand so far in Brazil is Sportingbet. So, it will continue to lead our Brazilian offering. At the same time, what I find interesting, speaking of the sector in general, is that almost 200 gaming companies have expressed interest in entering the Brazilian market, including many American brands. What I'm trying to say is that we will have a lot of work related to positioning Sportingbet as a leader in the market.
However, the license will allow the operation of more than one brand. Therefore, I asked if there is interest in bringing another global brand to operate in Brazil.
At this moment, we are still considering this question. In addition to Sportingbet, Entain has the Betboo brand in its portfolio, which also operates in the Brazilian market, although not as popular as Sportingbet. I agree that the licenses will cover up to three different brands, which gives an opportunity for the entire sector to bring other brands to Brazil. In other words, Entain is considering our strategy in this regard.
You congratulated the Brazilian government for regulating, but you were an active actor in this work alongside the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming. I would like you to talk about all this work.
That's right, and I have to congratulate IBJR for the work the association and all its members have done. I've always found it to be a key part of any regulatory process, and at the same time, I want to, again, thank the Ministry of Finance. They have always been open to comment and discuss all matters related to regulation. In my experience, including in other countries, this is the most effective way to achieve good regulation that will generate a lot of income for the government and, at the same time, will have the ability to protect operators who will choose to enter the regulated market.
Source: Exclusive GMB
