“Brazil needs a new broad-based gambling regulation, which covers the needs of all the sectors comprising this industry”

What is the balance of Brasilian Gaming Congress? Do you think all the progress and claimed analyzed during these three days will count with a political will to come true?
The balance has been very positive for me, specially compared to the previous frame we had in Brazil. An international event was organized, where executives and businessmen achieved to go further into the issue as never before. 

We had the presence of people related to poker, horse racing, lotteries…all the strong sectors that comprise the national industry have been represented, so I think it has been highly positive. For example, we can mention that Caixa Económica Federal expressed openly about the need to improve and update the regulatory frame in the sector.

Unfortunately, the negative part is the absence of the government in this debate. Authorities were confirmed and did not assist, showing the lack of commitment towards this industry, which represents the most negative point of this congress; because there are the regulators, and being a national event, they should have participated. 

Considering the organization of the main international sports events in Brazil in the next two years, Do you think the government will soften up this position and treat the issue somehow?
The phenomenon of globalization and the progress in technology make things be faster and catalize in a certain way. Olympic Games and the World Cup  will be very important events for the country, but I think that, specifically speaking about the gambling sector, the government is aware of what he must do, but it lacks from clarity to determine the best moment to do it. I think we do not have enough time to have an alternative for the World Cup, because it will be held in 7 months. Operativelly speaking, if we go for the conventional process and present a bill in public audience, which must be analyzed and approved by the Congress, we are really far from reaching the goal, in time, at least. 

Perhaps the government could boost a Provisional Measure, which is similar to a Decree, and could help reach that goal in short time, allowing then the definite approval at the Congress, with 6-month time for its analysis. Unfortunately, this way now seems to be improbable, so I think we will not have an operational sportsbooks alternative for the World Cup. We expect to have it for the Olympic Games.

Finally, considering that Codere counts with a wide operational experience in Brazil, Which do you think should be the most appropriate model to authorize betting in the country?
I think that the country needs a new broad-based gambling regulation, which covers the needs of all the sectors comprising this industry. We have to include sportsbooks, poker, gambling halls, horse-racing; I think the future has to do with that. 

Speaking specifically about sportsbooks, I think the ideal model is one in which there is competence with private operators, because Caixa Económica Federal does not have the "know-how", does not have an appropriate network and is an entity that is not focused on the gambling management. Its main goal is banking, and games are almost a distraction to its main action.

I think the way to optimize the generation of employment, the contribution of funds, the investment, bettor protection and the best product to the customer has to do with encouraging competence of private operators, working together with Caixa Económica. Licenses had to be considered, in a wide compensation frame, in which the operator of a place like San Pablo should be in charge of Amazonia, for example, offsetting a high population and business density, with another less tempting zone, but guaranteeing a wide and federal gambling offer for the whole country, It would  globalize the product offer, would allow equality of opportunities to all the inhabitants of the county and would give the operator the option to operate great zones in return for being profitable. And with regard to Internet, a free operation of local operators should be considered, with a very strict control that not only guarantees transparency and effectiveness of the service, but also discourages the entrance of off shore operators. In short, I think the Italian model is the best possible model for a wide and powerful market as the one we could have today in Brazil.