The regulation of online bookmakers is a reality and is being debated in Congress. The creation of laws for a sector that is growing day by day in Brazil and around the world is cause for celebration among the segment, but it is still a first step. According to Alessandro Valente, co-founder of BIS SiGMA Americas, the largest and most important event for the iGaming, Bettech and sports betting sector in Brazil and Latin America, which is being held in São Paulo until Thursday (25), the goal now is to legalise physical casinos in the country.

"The biggest news is that we have a regulated Brazil. And now the message we have to work on is: when will we also have regulated and legalised casinos, resorts and integrated gaming? There is still a lot to do in the gaming sector, but we have taken a very important step. A fair like this brings together the private sector and the government to discuss the future of the sector. It is very important for sport, culture and leisure, because this industry already supports all these sectors," he said in a local media interview.

Alessandro believes that the coming together of all sectors of the gaming industry can put pressure on the government and parliamentarians to regulate casinos as well. "It has been a long journey. If you don't start with the first step, you will never get there. So we have already taken the first step and we have been winning since 2013. Now we have achieved the first goal. The second goal hopefully won't take so many years, because the barrier has already been broken and now it's just a matter of common sense and goodwill from the government so that we can have physical casinos open again here in Brazil."  

Currently on the agenda of the Senate's Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) is a bill that authorises, among other things, the operation of casinos and bingos, legalises gambling and allows betting on horse racing. The text defends the installation of casinos in tourist centres or integrated leisure complexes, with a limit of one casino in each state and in the Federal District, with the exception of São Paulo, which could have up to three casinos, and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas and Pará, where the limit for each state is two casinos.

What is BIS SiGMA Americas?

BIS SiGMA Americas is the largest and most important event for the iGaming, Bettech and sports betting sector in Brazil and Latin America, where experts and leading companies gather to explore new developments in technology and strategies, while participants have the opportunity to network and find exciting opportunities.

In its fourth edition, the event will feature more than 200 speakers, a cultural tour, two start-up presentations, as well as 230 national and international brands on display over the three days. BIS SiGMA Americas has grown by 30% compared to last year and expects to welcome 10,000 visitors.

With global editions held annually on every continent, SiGMA is the authoritative global brand for gaming industry events, featuring the latest news, industry conferences, as well as casino and sports betting analysis. Its events bring together professionals, leading companies and innovators to help drive the gaming and betting industry forward.

By Maurício Ferreira