What were the highlights of the congress, regarding products and innovations?

It was a very successful BgC 2019 with many highlights throughout the course of the three days (including the Opening Drinks Reception).

With a large increase in attendees, it was a great opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors to showcase their products towards a captivated and targeted audience.

We were delighted to welcome eight new companies that took part in BgC for the first time, either with an exhibiton stand or sponsorship activity. Along with our returning exhibitors/sponsors we had a variety of relevant product and services including sportsbook technology, innovative and creative game developers, payment solutions and legal entities.

I would also have to mention Spieldev’s masterclass in orgainising a ‘flash mob’ and press conference to promote their new website on Day 2. From what seemed to be a standard networking break, some of the “attendee’s” then broke into dance by Spieldev’s exhibition stand, drawing a big crowd of interest amongst the rest of the audience…very impactful, well done Spieldev!

What were the main subjets treated at the conferences? How was the feedback from assistants?

The overall feedback we have received from attendees has been extremely positive. At such an important stage of gaming regulation in Brazil it was critical that BgC was able to cover topics that answered the current situation and expected future movement in the Brazilian gaming market.

The Opening Keynote sessions we had on both mornings were a perfect way to start each day. The first morning we were privileged to have Federal Deputy, Herculano Passos giving us a roadmap to gaming regulation in Brazil and on Day 2, Vinicius Lummertz, State Secretary of Tourism for São Paulo and former Minister of Tourism was joined by Braulio Melo, Assessor Parlamentar e Delegado Policia Federal, Chamber of Deputies to discuss levelling the playing field for a strong gaming market in Brazil.

We held a Legislator’s Debate to cover the next steps in a regulated market in Brazil. We were fortunate to be joined by a strong panel featuring Alexandre Manoel, Secretary of Evaluation, Planning, Energy and Lottery – SECAP, Ministry of the Economy, Evandro Roman, Federal Deputy, Chamber of Deputies, BACELAR, Federal Deputy & President, Parliamentary Front for Gaming Legalization and Roberto Rocha, Senator, Senado Federal  

With the current state of play in the Brazilian gaming market and recent law being signed, all other topics that we covered played a vital part in the process of a regulated Brazilian market. Other topics we covered was Responsible Gambling, The role for Federal State Lotteries following regulation, Gaming advertising and marketing restrictions, Setting up a Sportsbook in Brazil, Creating an attractive proposal for International Investment and Opportunities and Barriers for Casinos in Brazil

What is the importance of having an event like this in Brazil, considering that it is a big market in its way to be regularized?

This was the sixth edition of BgC and the first since departing President, Michel Temer signed an amendment legalizing fixed-odds sports betting in Brazil. Therefore this meant that this year’s edition was one of the most important to date as we now move away from questions of ‘What if’ to ‘When and what form will it take?’.

Brazil has the potential to be one of the most lucrative markets within the gaming industry so it is imperative that we have an event such as BgC which offers a platform for those involved and interested in the Brazilian gaming market to discuss the most current and relevant topics through the regulation process.

Do you have a date for the 2020 edition?

We are currently in negotiations with the Tivoli Mofarrej Hotel with regards to dates for BgC2020. Once we have finalized the plans for BgC2020, I will be sure to contact you with all the details as soon as I have them.