SÁB 12 DE ABRIL DE 2025 - 05:40hs.
Panagiotis Skyrlas, Chief Compliance & Information Security Officer

“Novibet aims to expand in LatAm by entering Brazil and promoting responsible gaming”

In an exclusive interview with GMB, Panagiotis Skyrlas, Chief Compliance & Information Security Officer at Novibet, talks about the company’s growing presence in LatAm, with a focus on Brazil, where it recently obtained a federal license to operate online gambling. The company is committed to complying with Brazilian regulations, offering products adapted to local preferences and establishing strategic partnerships with sports entities and regional companies.

GMB - How does Novibet plan to navigate the regulatory landscape in Brazil, and what are your expectations regarding the impact of this license on the broader Latin American market?
Panagiotis Skyrlas - Novibet's entry into the Brazilian market reflects its strategic expansion into Latin America, a region with significant growth potential for online gambling. We will emphasize the following areas.

Novibet will ensure full compliance with Brazil’s sports betting and online gaming regulations by obtaining the necessary licenses, adhering to local tax rules, and implementing responsible gaming practices. Since Brazil has a unique cultural and sporting landscape, we will tailor our products and promotions to meet the preferences of Brazilian customers, leveraging popular sports such as football and basketball.

 Additionally, strategic partnerships with local businesses, media outlets, and sports entities—following the example of our collaboration with the NBA in Greece — will be key to strengthening our market presence. To build trust among Brazilian customers, we will invest in stringent cybersecurity measures and fair gaming practices. Finally, a localized marketing strategy, including sponsorships of Brazilian teams and athletes, will be essential for gaining a foothold in this competitive market.

I strongly believe that success in Brazil, the largest market in Latin America, can establish Novibet as a leading brand in the region. It can also serve as a blueprint for entering other regulated markets like Colombia and Argentina. By combining regulatory adherence with localized strategies, Novibet can establish a strong presence in Brazil, using it as a springboard to dominate the broader Latin American market.

What unique challenges and opportunities does Brazil's online gaming market present, and how does Novibet plan to address them as it enters the market?
While Brazil now has approved regulations for gambling, full implementation and enforcement are ongoing, leading to potential ambiguities. We intend to work closely with legal and regulatory experts to ensure compliance with evolving legislation and actively engage with local regulatory authorities to stay updated on changes and shape industry standards.

Furthermore, as gambling becomes more accessible, concerns about addiction and public opinion may challenge operators.  For this reason, we have implemented robust, responsible gaming tools and awareness campaigns to promote safe gaming.

On the “opportunities” side, Brazil has a population of over 210 million, with a strong sports culture, particularly around football, providing a vast audience for online gaming.  At the same time, Brazil’s digital adoption is surging, with increasing smartphone penetration and digital payment usage. For these two reasons, we need to focus on sports betting, especially football, with localized odds and services and other popular verticals like eSports and virtual sports.

We offer mobile-first products with user-friendly navigation tailored to Brazilian users.  We are building on our global partnerships, such as the NBA collaboration, to create targeted campaigns for basketball fans in Brazil and Sponsor local sports leagues and teams, such as Fortaleza EC, to strengthen brand visibility.

By addressing challenges with strategic solutions and capitalizing on Brazil’s immense opportunities, Novibet can establish itself as a leader in the Brazilian market and a significant player in Latin America.

Can you elaborate on the specific competencies and innovations that set Novibet apart in Brazil's rapidly growing online gaming sector?
Novibet brings a combination of industry experience, technological innovation, and customer-centric strategies that position us uniquely to excel in Brazil's rapidly growing online gaming sector. Novibet’s proprietary platform ensures smooth navigation, fast loading times, and user-friendly interfaces tailored to both novice and experienced users.  Our mobile-first platform and state-of-the-art applications will serve nicely Brazil's high smartphone penetration.

We will use our advanced AI and Machine Learning know-how to power personalized recommendations, dynamic content, and real-time betting adjustments, enhancing the user experience. Novibet integrates Brazil's most popular payment options, including PIX and boleto bancário, while our platform offers fast payouts to users. 

We will demonstrate Sportsbook excellence and provide our customers with comprehensive betting options for football, basketball, MMA, and eSports, leveraging Brazil’s diverse sports culture and a robust portfolio of casino games, including localized themes, to attract players beyond sports betting.

What role does localization play in your market entry strategy for Brazil, and how does Novibet plan to cater to the preferences and behaviors of Brazilian players?
Localization is a cornerstone of Novibet's market entry strategy for Brazil. By aligning our offerings, platform, and marketing with Brazilian players' preferences, behaviors, and cultural nuances, we aim to establish ourselves as a leading player in this competitive market.

Football dominates Brazilian sports culture. Novibet plans to offer extensive coverage of Brazilian football leagues (e.g., Série A, Série B, and state championships).  On top of that, we are offering a wide variety of favorite payment options, RNG casino games, and live games with dealers.

How does Novibet plan to leverage its global experience and partnerships, such as the NBA collaboration in Greece, to build trust and credibility among Brazilian consumers?
Novibet plans to leverage its global experience and strategic partnerships to build trust and credibility among Brazilian consumers. The company's recent collaboration with the NBA in Greece and Cyprus exemplifies its commitment to enhancing fan engagement and promoting responsible betting.

By integrating NBA branding into its platforms and offering exclusive experiences, such as access to official merchandise and live game opportunities, Novibet has demonstrated its ability to create immersive and engaging experiences for sports enthusiasts.

In Brazil, Novibet aims to replicate this success by focusing on local partnerships and community engagement. We aim to keep sponsoring Brazil's most historic football teams, underscoring our dedication to integrating into the local sports culture. Such partnerships enhance brand visibility and foster a sense of community and trust among Brazilian consumers. Additionally, Novibet's federal gaming license in Brazil reflects its commitment to operating within the country's regulatory framework, further reinforcing its credibility and dedication to responsible gaming practices.  

With Brazil's diverse payment ecosystem, including popular methods like Pix and boleto bancário, how does Novibet ensure seamless and secure transactions for its users?
Novibet, as a licensed online gambling operator in Brazil, offers a variety of payment methods to accommodate the country's diverse financial landscape. These options include Pix, boleto bancário, credit cards, bank transfers, Neteller, and Skrill. By providing multiple payment methods, Novibet ensures that users can choose the most convenient and familiar option for their transactions.

To maintain the security and integrity of financial transactions, Novibet implements robust verification procedures and has in place a payment security department monitoring transactions 24x7. The company conducts Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to confirm the identity of its users, thereby preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, Novibet partners with reputable payment providers known for their secure and efficient transaction processes.

How does Novibet plan to balance its focus on sports betting with the growing demand for other gaming verticals, such as casino games and eSports, in Brazil?
Novibet, a licensed online gambling operator, is strategically expanding its offerings in Brazil to meet the growing demand for diverse gaming experiences.

While maintaining its strong presence in sports betting, the company recognizes the importance of integrating other popular gaming verticals, such as casino games, eSports, virtual games, and crash games, to provide a comprehensive entertainment platform. By offering a wide array of gaming options, Novibet aims to cater to the varied preferences of Brazilian consumers, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all players.

To achieve this, Novibet is implementing a localized, customer-centric model that focuses on delivering the best online entertainment experience. This approach includes offering popular verticals like crash games, which have gained significant traction in the online gaming community. For instance, Novibet provides a variety of crash games, such as Aviator, Spaceman, and Fly X, which are known for their engaging gameplay and potential for substantial rewards. By incorporating these games into its platform, Novibet aims to attract and retain a diverse player base in Brazil. 

In addition to crash games, Novibet plans to enhance its casino offerings by introducing a wide range of virtual games and eSports betting options. Virtual games, which simulate real-life sports and events, offer players the excitement of betting on various outcomes without the need for live events.

eSports, the competitive gaming sector, has seen exponential growth globally, and Novibet intends to tap into this trend by providing betting opportunities on popular eSports titles. By diversifying its gaming portfolio and focusing on localized content, Novibet aims to build trust and credibility among Brazilian consumers, ensuring a dynamic and satisfying gaming experience that resonates with local preferences. 

What measures is Novibet taking to ensure responsible gaming practices in Brazil, especially given the potential for increased gambling accessibility and addiction concerns?
Novibet is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices in Brazil by implementing a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the country's regulatory framework.

The company adheres strictly to Brazil's guidelines, ensuring compliance, transparency, and integrity in all operations. This commitment includes offering advanced player protection tools, educational resources, and self-exclusion options to foster a safe gaming environment.

Our company also supports, as a full member, local organizations, such as the Instituto Brasileiro de Jogo Responsável (IBJR), to support responsible gaming initiatives and contribute to the sustainable growth of the regulated gaming sector in Brazil and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) to support initiatives against match-fixing.   

By integrating these strategies, Novibet aims to build trust and credibility among Brazilian consumers, ensuring that its services are both enjoyable and responsible. The company's proactive approach reflects its commitment to the well-being of its users and the integrity of the gaming industry in Brazil.

Source: Exclusive GMB