WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

April 12, 2024

WA.Technology is thrilled to present this week's handpicked roundup of global iGaming developments. Join us at WA.Technology for your weekly dose of industry trends and news that promise to set the pace for your weekend iGaming adventures.

Embratur President Advocates Casinos in Brazil

Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion, spoke recently about the possibility of legalising land-based casinos in Brazil in a recent interview with CB.Power, available in conjunction with TV Brasília. Freixo highlighted the potential benefits of projected taxes, including enhanced protections for older people, and made reference to Portugal's regulated casino model. 

Freixo spoke about the opportunity to attract tourists and job creation. Brazil saw a significant increase in international tourism revenue in 2023 of around $30 billion. Freixo discussed the possibility that legalised land-based gambling could contribute significantly to Embratur's budget if the move were to go ahead.

Betting Sector Invited to Join Brazil's Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Brazilian Ministry of Finance invites online betting companies to engage with the National Strategy to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (ENCCLA). ENCCLA, founded in 2003, is a network that forms public policies to tackle corruption and money laundering. It involves 90 public institutions across various areas, including the Central Bank and Federal Police. Fred Justo, the General Coordinator of Monitoring Money Laundering and Other Offenses, discussed the idea during the Ambição 2030 Forum, a corporate sustainability event held recently in São Paulo. 

The idea is to bring betting companies into the strategy, encouraging them to work with public bodies to uphold integrity within the sector. The move supports a broader industry regulation effort and could help Brazil’s global standing in iGaming and gambling by upholding honesty and transparency within the international market. As reported in Yogonet and Metrópoles.

Thailand’s Casino Ambitions: A Vision for the Future?

Thailand is on the cusp of the potential legalisation of casinos within integrated resorts aimed at revitalising the economy through foreign investment. The cabinet has green-lit a special House committee's report that explores the potential for incorporating casinos into entertainment complexes. The Finance Ministry has been tasked with 30 days to assess the feasibility of this proposal. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is said to favour the move, as evidenced by a statement on his official X account.

The proposal is expected to elevate Thailand's position in the global gaming sector and contribute to job creation. Meanwhile, the government's seemingly proactive stance, including feasibility studies by the Ministry of Finance and interest from global casino operators, suggests a formulated approach to regulation and partnership. This speculative but optimistic outlook suggests Thailand could emerge as a key player in the Southeast Asian gaming industry, enhancing its tourism appeal and economic stability.

Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) Launches with Focus on Sustainability

The inaugural Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) will take place at the Palazzo dei Congressi in the centre of Rome next week, from 18 to 19 April. Over 60 speakers, including international regulators and industry leaders, will attend to explore the future of iGaming and gambling, emphasising sustainability. 

Hosting more than 35 sessions and participants from over 30 companies and ten established institutions, IGE aims to create discussions on various topics, including the role of technology in ensuring a responsible gaming environment. The conference serves as a platform for shaping a sustainable future for the industry, with discussions led by notable figures from across the sector.

Global Esports Tour Season 4 Ignites in Rio with Counter-Strike 2

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) inaugurates the fourth season of the Global Esports Tour (GET24) with a premier event in Rio de Janeiro, 18 to 21 April, showcasing the global eSports community's elite in a Counter-Strike 2 tournament. Eight top teams will compete for a $200,000 prize pool and the esteemed GET24 Trophy. 

The event, hosted by the Brazilian Confederation of Games and Esports (CBGE), marks the beginning of a series of international tournaments across worldwide cities, including Ningbo, Baku, Manila, Kuching, and more, concluding with a grand finale in Singapore. The Rio event also features the Women's Challenge: COPA RIO, with teams FURIA, FLUXO, MiBr, and W7M vying for the crown. The tournament looks set to be an exciting competition for eSports competitors and fans alike.

WA.Technology Weekly

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