GMB – You created a course that guides those interested in creating a sports betting website. What is the main concern in the market today when launching a sportsbook?
Hiago Piau – One of the main concerns is regulation. Two years ago, this didn't exist, as it wasn't illegal, but the activity wasn't regulated either. Everyone could work with an uncertain future perspective but at least operated normally. Today, one of the biggest concerns is precisely this issue of regulation, which, although we see it nearing completion, still has many uncertainties about how it will literally be. Some ordinances have already been issued, but there is still a long journey until this process is concluded.
Does your course provide a "roadmap" for a new operator to enter the market?
Yes. My course starts from scratch. Do you want to set up your betting house and have no knowledge at all? I teach how to hire a good platform, marketing strategy tips, how to win over the final customer, and what security measures to take, which is one of the most important aspects and the bottleneck that prevents many betting house owners from succeeding.
People often just rent a system and think that by simply putting it online, customers will come. Even if they do, it's risky to operate without security measures and internal strategies to avoid losses and bankruptcy.
From a technological perspective, is Brazil well-served in terms of platforms, game aggregators, and offers for the end user?
Today, Brazil is very well-served because the same technologies we use here are also used in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In other words, it's a global technology. Just look at an event like BiS SiGMA, where 50% of the attendees are from abroad and are coming in strong to invest in Brazil. They are bringing technology we didn't have, despite our significant technological advances. Although foreign technology is more advanced, we are well served.
We have local game developers and aggregators. Are they already on par with the international market in terms of technology and offerings?
They are getting there. We can't fully compare the technology, but the number of programmers working for foreign companies is very large. Many game developers and aggregators have Brazilian professionals on their teams. I know many Brazilian programmers who work for foreign game developers. We can't compare 100% with international technology, but we are on the right track.
How do you set up a betting house in Brazil?
The first point—and a common mistake—is to observe and compare oneself with large betting houses and decide to set up a sportsbook without any knowledge. The main point is to have focus and not think that simply renting a system and putting it online will make it work on its own. The second point is to have knowledge, and the third is to put that knowledge into practice.
It's crucial to have good technology and a good system, with adequate support and marketing to bring the customer to the finish line, which is your betting house.
Source: Exclusive GMB
