GMB - How do you evaluate this new edition of ICE, now in Barcelona?
Tiago Almeida - It really is a wonderful place. I think that, first, we win in terms of the atmosphere. Second, we win in terms of the food, which is much better here. But, obviously, now that we are a little more serious, I think that we also win in terms of a larger space, with a different scale and also with different conditions for an event of this magnitude. I was very surprised because it seems that this industry is constantly growing.
There are reports of more than 1,000 exhibitors at ICE Barcelona. Has it already established itself as the main global fair for the gaming sector?
I think so. It has been a reference for several years. This is my 15th consecutive edition, I have not missed a single year, with the exception of the pandemic period. But we have been coming and we have seen this, an event with great sustainability that has not only seen growth in terms of exhibitors, but also in terms of panels. I saw a wonderful panel on regulation in Abu Dhabi, which discussed gaming licenses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We never stop learning.
Speaking of regulation, the Brazilian regulated market has officially started. You had already told GMB that some of your main partners had already applied and that you were sure that all of them would be licensed. Did that really happen?
It really happened with seven brands that we were able to help with this change of direction. We are very happy that this day, which we have dreamed of for many years, is coming true. We know the responsibility we have. We already knew at the time that we would have this responsibility. We were able to make this delivery together with our partners. And now what we intend to do is continue with all the responsibility and this sustainable growth so that the sector can reap the benefits of this revenue that is finally being collected in Brazil.
At the beginning of the operation, some operators had problems with their websites. The migration issue, Face ID... What happened? Has everything been resolved?
Yes. I would say that the instability of the first few days has passed. Naturally, we worked with several companies in this process, professional companies that helped us a lot. But I think that, as a result of the ordinances that began to be issued in May and October/November, some were still being published, there was no time to carry out a gradual process. We arrived on January 1st and some things, as far as the technical betting system was concerned, did not work as we expected. Unfortunately, the ball kind of hit the post. This does not mean that the process was not carried out. Perhaps, at first, there may have been more friction than we would have liked.
But today, we can say with complete certainty that we have recovered from this somewhat tumultuous period. Several new systems had to be connected for the first time. Today we see operators recovering pre-operational stability, facing future challenges with the legal security and sustainability that the granting brought to everyone, including the Brazilian consumer.
How do you see the future of this sector, both from a business perspective and in terms of growth in the Brazilian market?
I think that, first of all, there are a large number of consumers in Brazil who already bet. But we have not yet reached our full potential. In recent years, we have seen very significant growth, not always in the way that best suits the needs of the consumer. The message today is one of longevity and sustainability in operations. This industry is growing non-stop, but it needs to grow as responsible entertainment, adapted to the reality of players, and that brings safety and sustainability to consumers and professionals in the sector.
What can Oddsgate offer the market and operators who want to enter Brazil? What is the message for those who have not yet arrived?
By the end of 2025, we plan to employ more than 15 professionals in the office that we have already opened in São Paulo. We are very much looking to expand into the Brazilian market to provide increasingly personalized support and service to our customers. This investment in the Brazilian market, which we started in 2021, has paid off. We want to continue growing, innovating, creating lasting products, personalizing content and improving the level of service.
Does having an office in São Paulo reinforce Oddsgate's vocation and commitment to the Brazilian market?
Without a doubt, and we seek to reinforce our sustainability in the Brazilian market. Today, we have more than 60 professionals in our office in Portugal and almost half of them are Brazilian. Now, we want to continue growing and have them working in Brazil.
And what are Oddsgate's plans for participating in trade shows in Brazil?
We will be in Rio de Janeiro in a few weeks, and also at BiS SiGMA, in São Paulo, in April. We will also be in Dubai to showcase our technology to other markets.
Source: Exclusive GMB
