“Our goal is to keep the discussion on Brazil’s gambling legislation going”

Commenting on this year’s BgC, Rory Credland, Event Director at Clarion, said, “When we decided to launch BgC, back in November, we had expectations that the bill would move forward. However, this has come to a standstill. Whilst we anticipated that this might happen, based on experience, we were confident that there still would be sufficient interest in the market and we of course altered the content to reflect the latest discussions in the country.”

In comparison to November 2016, this year’s attendance was lower. However, Credland explained, the show met Clarion’s expectations in delivering value to the audience and making sure the right people were in the room.

According to Sergio Jardim, Managing Director of Clarion Events Brazil, the aim of BgC was to keep the discussion on gambling legislation going, despite political hurdles. “We wanted to offer a unique event that would allow for stakeholders, authorities, casino operators and gaming manufacturers to stay united and connected, as they await gambling legalization in the country.”

BgC organizers also see the event as an opportunity to educate those who are against gambling. “There are many smart people in Brazil who want to do good things for the country. That passion is what will make the country succeed in allowing gambling. If we don’t give it a chance, we will never know.“

At the moment, Clarion is finalizing details for the 2018 BgC. “With the World Cup taking place next year, we will likely be runing the event in Sao Paulo in May,” representatives explained.