WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

May 31, 2024

Welcome to this week's edition of WA.Technology's iGaming Newsletter! Get the lowdown on the latest iGaming developments, including updates from Brazil and forthcoming iGaming events. Stay informed about industry trends and key insights to keep you ahead of the game. 

Brazilian Ministry of Finance 

As reported in iGaming Brazil, Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has restructured positions within the Prizes and Bets Secretariat (SPA) through Ordinance No. 874, published on 29 May 2024. The ordinance reallocates executive-commissioned positions. A technical assistant and two assistants will be new advisors in the Secretary of Prizes and Bets office, led by Régis Dudena since late April. Also, a third technical assistant, who previously worked in General Coordination of Responsible Gaming Monitoring, is now part of the Undersecretariat for Monitoring and Inspection. 

This week, the Brazilian Ministry of Finance also announced that it has formed a working group within the National Council for Financial Policy (Confaz) to unify fixed-odds betting and online games regulations across states. This initiative aims to standardise rules between states and the Union.

Senate Public Security Committee to Discuss Casino Legalization

The Brazilian Senate's Public Security Committee (CSP) will hold a public hearing on Bill 2,234/22, which proposes the legalisation of casinos, bingos, and Jogo do Bicho. Senator Eduardo Girão requested the hearing to address concerns raised about the bill. Contrary to Girão’s view, proponents argue that legalising gambling could boost tourism. The bill is also under review by the Constitution and Justice Commission, with a vote expected in early June. Reported in Agência Senado. 

Emerson Luiz Gazzoli Appointed as Betting Authorization Coordinator at SPA

Emerson Luiz Gazzoli has been appointed the Betting Authorisation Coordinator for the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) of the Brazilian Ministry of Finance. The Official Gazette announced the appointment on May 27. Gazzoli, a Federal Auditor of Finance and Control, held a technical advisor position at the Ministry's Economic Monitoring Secretariat. He will oversee the General Coordination of Betting Authorisation within the Authorisation Subsecretariat, which handles requests for prize distributions, fixed-odd betting, and lottery operations conducted by horse racing promoters.

São Paulo Allocates Lottery Proceeds to the Health Sector

The Government of São Paulo has announced that proceeds from state lotteries will be designated to the health sector. The initiative includes a 15-year concession auction scheduled for October, where the winning company must establish at least 31 exclusive points of sale across the administrative regions of São Paulo, dependent on certain specifications and rules. The project aims to enhance healthcare funding, and the lottery system will offer various gaming options, including numerical predictions and instant lotteries for players over 18 years of age. 

These measures are part of broader efforts to ensure sustainable funding for essential public services. As reported in Yogonet, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said, “It is an important auction because it generates interesting revenue for the State. It will be able to be used fully in Health, which is an area that is increasingly under pressure with the ageing of the population and will demand more and more resources.”

Asian iGaming Events

June is a busy month for the global iGaming community, with many exciting events coming up. Let’s take a quick look at what’s happening next week:

SiGMA Asia

From June 3-5, Manila will host SiGMA Asia, featuring over 20,000 delegates and 350 speakers. This event includes networking opportunities, startup pitches, and the SiGMA Asia Awards, celebrating gaming, tech, and digital marketing achievements. Attendees will have the chance to connect with industry leaders and explore innovations across the sector.

Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific

On June 4, the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific will be held in Manila, recognising top performers in the Asian gaming industry. This prestigious event will celebrate the best operators and suppliers, focusing on categories specific to the region. Established in 2022, the awards are a key industry highlight, bringing together major players from across Asia.

G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo

G2E Asia returns to Macau on 4 – 6 June, marking its 15th anniversary. In collaboration with the Asian IR Expo, the event will feature over 100 exhibitors and dedicated zones for technology and innovation. Keynote speakers will discuss the financial outlook for Asian gaming markets and emerging trends, including AI and cybersecurity.

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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