MAR 17 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2024 - 13:29hs.
Leonardo (Gadelha) Sampaio, CIO / Grupo Silvio Santos

Image-tarnishing campaign suffered by the gaming sector creates a mistaken perception

In recent weeks, the sports betting and iGaming sector in Brazil has been facing an image-tarnishing campaign that deserves attention. “Reports in various media outlets have only presented a negative view of the sector, associating it with illicit activities and generalizing problems that do not represent the reality of most companies operating in the market,” says Leonardo (Gadelha) Sampaio, Chief Innovation Officer of Grupo Silvio Santos.

There is no denying that combating organized crime is an urgent and fundamental issue for Brazil. However, by placing all companies in the sector under the same spotlight, these articles create a mistaken perception about the Betting & Gaming sector.

It is crucial to distinguish between serious companies committed to regulatory compliance and those that may be involved in illegal activities.

The regulated sector has specific rules governing the operation of betting houses, which will come into effect on January 1st. It is important to highlight that the country's pre-existing laws remain valid for this sector.

Therefore, illegal practices must be prevented and, once proven in court, those involved must be punished. Regulation is crucial to distinguish criminal groups from those who wish to offer legitimate betting and gaming services.

Brazil is at a crucial moment in regulating the sector, which, if well-managed, has the potential to become a global example of a reliable and safe market.

Well-structured regulations will guarantee the safety of Brazilians and strengthen the integrity of the market, creating a favorable environment for investment and job creation and keeping criminal activities at bay.

This sector will play an important role in the economy, contributing significantly to federal tax collection. In order for this potential to be fully realized, discussions about the market must be balanced and informed.

The experience of the main international markets shows that regulation is the key to sustainable growth in the sector:

- England and Italy: Significant increase in tax collection and job creation.

- Australia and the United States: Market growth with better consumer protection.

- Canada and the Netherlands: Regulatory models that promote responsible gaming practices.

Todos Querem Jogar (TQJ), a company of which the Silvio Santos Group is a part, does not aspire to be #1 in market share, but rather #1 in responsible gaming and in the collective satisfaction of Brazilian bettors and players.

Companies in the sector must lead a constructive dialogue that focuses on the development of a transparent, reliable and safe market for all Brazilian families. Only then will it be possible to build a promising future for the Betting & Gaming sector in Brazil.

Leonardo (Gadelha) Sampaio
CIO / Silvio Santos Group
Executive leader with highly international experience and outstanding achievements managing business development and strategic partnerships for digital, media and tech companies. He was Country Manager at Stages, Business Development Vice President (LatAm) at WarnerMedia and Business Development Director (LatAm) at Netflix.

Source: GMB