WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

May 24, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of WA.Technology's iGaming Newsletter. We're excited to bring you the freshest updates from the iGaming world. Whether you're an industry expert or a gaming enthusiast, stay tuned to uncover the hottest trends, groundbreaking news, and essential insights. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of iGaming and ensure you're always in the know.  

Brazilian Betting Updates 

This week, the Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA) within the Ministry of Finance released Ordinance 827 in relation to Law 14,790/2023, which authorises sports betting and online gaming. The Ordinance drills further into the licencing requirements and criteria regulated operators would need to adhere to should they wish to expand their products and services to the Brazilian market. 

Key Points from the latest Ordinance include:

• Legal entities must obtain licence authorisation from the Prizes and Betting Secretariat to operate in Brazil.
• The licence fee for a five-year licence validity, with the ability to operate up to 3 commercial brands at a time, costs R$30 million.
• Extensive documentation, including legal, tax, and technical certifications, are mandatory.

Also this week, The Brazilian Institute of Regulatory Law (IBDRE) has established a Sports Betting Committee, chaired by Ricardo de Paula Feijo, to oversee the sports betting regulations. The committee aims to enhance the regulatory environment and contribute to ongoing studies and debates. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Deputies has formed a Permanent Subcommittee on Sports Betting Regulation, driven by Federal Deputy Luciano Vieira. The subcommittee will work on new legislation. The first session will elect its president and outline its operational strategies.

A report from Michael Page, a specialist managerial recruitment consultancy, backs up Brazil's sports betting industry's potential success. The report revealed a 37% increase in hiring within Brazil's betting sector following new regulations. The demand is particularly high for leadership roles in finance, marketing, and compliance, with salaries ranging from R$20,000 to R$45,000. 

Brazilian Deputies Discuss Social Inclusion Through eSports & Lottery Sustainability

The Chamber of Deputies' Special Subcommittee on Electronic Sports held a public hearing to discuss the role of electronic sports in social inclusion of children and adolescents. Representatives from various organisations emphasised how eSports and fantasy sports can develop skills, provide job opportunities, and forge social connections. The discussions included athletes' safety and integrating educational uses. The Subcommittee also discussed the newly sanctioned legal framework for the electronic games.

Meanwhile, the Administration and Public Service Commission of the Chamber of Deputies met to address the sustainability of Brazil's lottery network. As requested by Deputy Reimont, the discussion focused on legal uncertainties, economic imbalances, and the need to keep up with digital migration. The debate emphasised modernising lotteries while maintaining their role in social inclusion. Key industry figures provided insights on ensuring the lotteries' continued viability and relevance in serving the population.

Tribal Gaming & Sports Betting in North Carolina

Sharon M. Avery was appointed Acting Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) following her recent appointment as Associate Commissioner. Avery, an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, has extensive experience in tribal legal matters and will lead the NIGC until a permanent chair is confirmed. Her role includes overseeing the regulatory oversight of tribal gaming facilities and ensuring compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Read more about Women in iGaming in our recent article.

Meanwhile, North Carolina's sports betting market showed impressive results, generating over $1 billion in bets in its first two months. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission reported that from March 11 to April 30, wagers totalled $1.308 billion, including promotional bets. The state's sports betting operators earned $171.7 million in gross wagering revenue. 

New Regulations for UK Land-Based Gambling

The UK's Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has released new regulations for the land-based gambling sector following a public consultation conducted from July to October 2023. The regulations, published in response to the recent white paper, will be presented to Parliament. Fundamental changes include allowing 1968 Act casinos to increase gaming machines to 80 if they meet size requirements and smaller casinos to have more than 20 machines on a pro-rata basis. 

The regulations also introduce a 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines in arcades and bingo halls, allow direct debit card payments on gaming machines with a £100 limit, and mandate 18+ age verification for cash-out of Category-D slot machines. Additionally, the DCMS will increase local authorities in England and Wales' maximum premises licence fees by 15% to fund enforcement and administrative duties, while Scotland will set its own fees. The consultation received 87 responses from various stakeholders, including gambling operators and industry bodies.

iGaming Events: NEW SBC Summit Americas & G2E Asia Keynote Speakers

SBC has announced a new, unified event for the Americas, beginning in 2025. The SBC Summit Americas, set for 13 to 15 May 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will unify the North and Latin American gaming markets. Merging SBC Summit North America and SBC Summit Latinoamérica, the event aims to provide an engaging and productive experience in learning, networking, and exhibitions, with over 8,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors expected covering everything from AI and cryptocurrency to data protection and sports integrity. Also included will be specialised summits on leadership, affiliates, and payment experts, targeting C-level decision-makers.

Keynote speakers have been announced for the 15th anniversary of G2E Asia and the Asian IR Expo, which will be held in Macau from 4 to 6 June 2024. 

Notable speakers include:

• Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association.
• Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office
• Leong Wai Man, President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government
• Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

Attendees can expect a range of exhibits, speakers, and networking opportunities across two specialised zones. The technology zone will highlight solutions across hospitality, CRM, identity management, and security, while the sports and entertainment zone will feature agencies and firms from various sectors.

WA.Technology Weekly

Join us again next time for more iGaming news from WA.Technology. If you want to know more about launching your own iGaming business or expanding your current brand, contact us at hello@watechnology.com.

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