Before joining the iGaming industry, Catalan gained experience in major financial institutions, working in compliance, anti-money laundering, and regulation. He began his career at Banco Sofisa, where he discovered his aptitude for processes and auditing.
"It was a unique opportunity to map processes within a smaller financial institution, which gave me a holistic view of how a bank operates."
His transition to the iGaming sector happened naturally when Catalan noticed the growing regulatory movement in the betting market. In 2024, he joined Betsson to assist in the licensing process with the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance.
"It was a very rewarding job because we applied our experience from the financial sector to regulate an activity that, until then, was in a gray area in Brazil."
The role of integrity in the betting market
In his new role, Catalan will be responsible for ensuring that Betsson's operations in Brazil adhere to strict integrity and regulatory compliance standards. He emphasizes that match-fixing and other types of fraud pose significant threats to the sports betting sector, potentially undermining its credibility and driving away both bettors and investors.
To combat these challenges, Catalan advocates for the use of advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence and big data analysis, to detect irregular patterns and prevent suspicious activities. He explains that these tools enable the identification of atypical bets in real time, helping mitigate fraud risks and ensuring a more reliable environment for users.
Collaboration between regulators, operators, and sports entities
Another key point Catalan highlights is the need for a collaborative approach among various market stakeholders. According to him, sports integrity can only be ensured through strong cooperation between betting operators, regulatory bodies, sports clubs, and government authorities.
He notes that in more developed markets, such as Europe and the United States, efficient information-sharing models already exist between industry companies and sports entities, allowing for the rapid identification of irregular practices. In Brazil, regulation is still evolving, but Catalan believes that implementing similar measures will be essential for strengthening the industry.
Additionally, he points out that Betsson has been proactively contributing to discussions on regulation in the country, sharing best practices, and collaborating on initiatives aimed at creating a safer and more trustworthy environment for operators and bettors.
The impact of sports sponsorships
Catalan also discussed the importance of sports sponsorships as a strategic tool for both betting companies and the development of sports in Brazil. He explains that partnerships between iGaming operators and sports clubs create mutual benefits, providing brand visibility and financial resources for the growth of teams and competitions.
Betsson already has several initiatives focused on sports sponsorship, and Catalan emphasizes that this type of investment is an effective way to strengthen the brand while contributing to the advancement of the national sports scene. He adds that for these partnerships to be sustainable, it is crucial to ensure they take place within a well-defined and secure regulatory framework for all parties involved.
Betsson’s commitment to Brazil
With Catalan's appointment, Betsson reaffirms its commitment to the Brazilian market and its intention to operate responsibly and transparently. The company has made significant investments in adapting to Brazil’s upcoming regulations, ensuring that its operations comply with legal requirements and international best practices.
Catalan concludes by emphasizing that his primary goal is to strengthen the integrity of the sports betting sector in Brazil, ensuring that Betsson continues to offer a trustworthy and secure gaming experience for bettors. According to him, user trust and a commitment to transparency will be decisive factors in the industry's sustainable growth in the country.
Source: GMB / SiGMA
