WA.Technology’s Weekly World iGaming News

March 22, 2024

WA.Technology is delighted to deliver its newest weekly iGaming newsletter directly to you. Dive into this week's five insightful snapshots from global iGaming, enriching your mind with fascinating online gaming insights. 

Opportunity Awaits for Brazil

Brazil's sports betting sector is the world's fourth largest, with rapid online growth outpacing traditional physical betting methods. A comprehensive study by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), H2 Gambling Capital, and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) shows Brazil's increasing role in global betting, emphasising the critical relationship between product availability and regulated market engagement. 

Brazil envisions a liberal market model promising substantial economic benefits, including an estimate of over BR$11 billion in tax revenues by 2025. Andre Gelfi of IBJR highlights the urgency of developing a regulatory framework that captures the market's changing nature, securing Brazil's position as a thriving centre for legal online gaming and betting amidst discussions on taxation and state-specific regulations. 

Lottery Changes & Partnerships in Brazil

The State of Paraná takes a step towards modernising lottery operations with two new decrees aimed at clarifying rules for lottery modalities in compliance with federal legislation. These regulations encompass a variety of lottery types, emphasising responsible gaming and integrating measures to prevent money laundering and result manipulation. This initiative positions Paraná as a strong contender for companies to offer lottery services in a secure and regulated environment.

Simultaneously, the Government of Tocantins awards the Lototins consortium a 20-year concession to implement and maintain state lottery services across all 139 municipalities. This partnership, promising an estimated turnover of around BR$6.5 billion, could enhance the state's economy by channelling proceeds towards social projects, particularly in sports, and combating illegal betting. The collaboration marks another step in Brazil's approach to integrating lottery systems into public welfare and economic development strategies. 

BiG Africa Summit: A Decade of iGaming Excellence

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the BiG Africa Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg from March 25-27, continues to be a cornerstone event for the iGaming industry in Africa. The summit has been vital in driving sector growth. 

As a distinguished gathering, it attracts diverse international participants, from industry veterans to new entrants, all eager to explore the opportunities within Africa's expanding market. Attendees can look forward to discovering the latest technological advancements, insightful talks from top industry leaders, and networking with peers. With a focus on C-level executives and a tailored audience, the BiG Africa Summit promises valuable knowledge exchange, business development, and a glimpse into the future of iGaming in Africa.

Arrange to meet the WA.Technology team at BiG Africa Summit, at stand 1016, and discover their full spectrum of iGaming solutions. Discover how WA.Africa, the African-specific omnichannel platform solution, can drive success for your business in Africa. 

PAGCOR Achieved Comfortable Growth in 2023

In 2023, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported a significant financial performance with an income of PHP79.38 billion, marking a 34.6% year-on-year increase. Despite this growth, the share remitted to the Philippine government was PHP33.85 billion, slightly below the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. 

Gross gaming revenues (GGR) soared by 33% year-on-year to PHP285 billion, surpassing both the target and the pre-pandemic high.  Casinos primarily drove the revenue boost, contributing PHP207.5 billion, and the electronic games sector, with PHP58.16 billion. PAGCOR's substantial income growth and successful surpassing of targets are positive, though the share for the government in 2023 showed a marginal decline from the peak pre-Covid era.

SIGA Latin America & Expert Committees

As part of its mission to uphold the highest standards of integrity and governance in sports, SIGA Latin America has appointed 30 distinguished experts to its Permanent Committees. Launched in July 2022, this initiative aims to improve transparency, integrity, and good governance in Latin American sports. 

Notably, 29 appointed members are Brazilian, reflecting a significant national representation. These committees are vital in advising SIGA on integrity reforms, promoting knowledge exchange, and recommending best practices across various strategic areas. Pacto Pelo Esporte, a collective of 40 companies sponsoring Brazilian sports, supports the effort as it marks a critical step in advancing the integrity agenda in Latam. The announcement was made during the Inaugural Conference and Public Hearing of the Independent Study on the Future of Brazilian Football, highlighting SIGA's commitment to influencing positive change in the sports sector. 

WA.Technology Weekly

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