The Art of Adaptation in Brazil’s iGaming Landscape: Phyllyp Azevedo Sedicias & SiGMA Magazine

Brazil’s gaming market is entering a new era, one defined by regulation, adaptation, and unprecedented opportunities. Phyllyp Azevedo Sedicias, Country Director for Brazil at WA.Technology, sat down with Rami Gabriel at SiGMA Magazine to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape, the power of localised strategies, and the keys to sustainable success in one of the world’s fastest-growing iGaming markets.

The Redefined Market

Brazil’s regulatory shift is not merely a hurdle; it is a reset button. “The game has just begun,” Sedicias remarks. “Everyone needs to adapt, and those who do will thrive.” He emphasises that this transformation creates a level playing field where both seasoned brands and newcomers have a fresh start. The shift is already redefining player loyalty. Clients are no longer jumping between brands at the same rate, and for operators, this means an increase in lifetime value (LTV) and the quality of leads generated through marketing efforts.

Sedicias highlights a crucial evolution, operators now require more than just a good platform. “Today, you need lawyers, accountants, compliance officers, things that weren’t always necessary before.” The industry is professionalising at an accelerated pace, and those unwilling to adapt will inevitably fall behind. It is not just about compliance; it is about future-proofing businesses in a market that is maturing rapidly.

Brazil’s Localised Approach

Understanding Brazil’s market means understanding its culture, a principle WA.Technology has embedded in its strategy. “You cannot simply replicate a model from Europe or North America and expect it to work here,” Sedicias explains. Brazil is vast, with cultural, linguistic, and economic differences across its regions. The northeast is entirely distinct from the south, just as Recife is different from São Paulo.

WA.Technology has positioned itself uniquely by creating a dedicated team based in Brazil. “We were the first to do this, to truly immerse ourselves in the local ecosystem,” he states. This proximity enables the company to anticipate changes, tailor strategies, and bridge the communication gap between European methodologies and Brazil’s fast-moving, urgency-driven market.

A prime example of this localisation effort is WA.Technology’s new platform, designed specifically for Brazilian operators and players. The company conducted extensive research with operators and players to understand gaps in the market, ensuring that the platform meets the exact needs of both groups. “It is 100% Brazilian, customised for the market, the culture, and the players,” Sedicias says.

The Shifting Preferences of Brazilian Players

Brazilian gaming habits are evolving, and WA.Technology has been quick to adapt. “A year ago, the landscape looked completely different,” Sedicias observes. Today, sports betting is experiencing a resurgence, crash games are gaining traction among mid-tier players, and high-stakes users are gravitating towards live casinos.

One of the most surprising shifts has been the increasing LTV from sports betting clients. To capitalise on this, WA.Technology has established a dedicated trading team focused exclusively on the Brazilian market. “We are not just using a generic provider feed; we have a team of traders analysing trends, creating new markets, and ensuring our clients can increase both their margins and player retention,” he explains.

Community-Driven Market Growth

Despite the competitive landscape, Sedicias does not see other operators as rivals in a cutthroat sense. Instead, he describes Brazil’s iGaming industry as one built on relationships. “We all know each other. We have dinner together, attend events together. Some of my best friends are clients or competitors,” he reveals. This sense of camaraderie has fuelled Brazil’s rapid growth, with operators and providers sharing insights, addressing common challenges, and collectively advancing the industry.

For foreign entrants, however, Brazil presents unique challenges. “If you don’t have local experience or someone guiding you, you will struggle,” Sedicias warns. While larger international brands will eventually establish themselves, they will do so with greater difficulty and expense compared to those who have built a deep-rooted presence from within.

The Battle for Engagement

WA.Technology does not see other gaming operators as its primary competitors. Instead, it views streaming services like Netflix and YouTube as the real competition. “People have limited time for entertainment, and we are competing for their attention,” Sedicias explains.

A Key to Long-Term Success

Many misunderstand responsible gaming as a deterrent to profitability. Sedicias sees it differently. “Responsible gaming is not about stopping players from engaging; it is about educating them,” he explains. By fostering an environment where players understand limits, operators benefit from increased retention, predictable LTV, and stronger long-term relationships with their customers.

A Philosophy Embedded with Growth

When asked about what drives him, Sedicias avoids clichés. “I am not one for motivational quotes,” he admits. Instead, he draws inspiration from progress. “I remember when we couldn’t even tell people what we did for a living. Society didn’t accept it;, families didn’t accept it. Now, the landscape has changed, and we’ve built something meaningful.” His approach is simple: “Always move forward, never regret.”

As Brazil’s iGaming industry matures, WA.Technology stands at the forefront, not just by keeping pace with change but by anticipating it. With a keen understanding of local culture, a commitment to responsible gaming, and an unwavering focus on community and adaptation, the company is setting the standard for success in Brazil’s evolving gaming market.

Read the full interview at SiGMA Magazine.

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