What’s the big buzz about Brazil? LeoVegas Group Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Carl Brincat, talks takeaways from ICE Barcelona, including his thoughts on black-market operators and recent regulatory trends.
The buzz around town is the newly regulated Brazilian market. Can we expect more major markets to follow suit with their own local regulations?
“Gambling regulation depends on many factors, including local culture, religion, and societal values. Because of this, each region is developing its own approach, and the progress looks quite different depending on where you are in the world. We’re seeing parts of Asia and Africa exploring potential changes, but no doubt, the global gambling scene will keep us on our toes as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve.”
LeoVegas Group CEO Gustaf Hagman has been outspoken about the importance of keeping black market operators out of regulated markets. What are your thoughts?
“At its core, gambling regulation serves three main purposes: protecting consumers, keeping unlawful activity out, and generating tax revenue. When players in regulated markets turn to unlicensed operators, it directly undermines these goals. The safe, fair environment that regulation is meant to create, disappears, putting both players and the industry at risk.
That said, more and more regulators are realising that the fight against the black market is a shared one and by collaborating with licensed operators, together we can have a much stronger impact. While active enforcement is important, the real solution lies in creating a robust regulatory framework that balances player protection with an entertaining product. When we get that balance right, it’s easier to shift demand away from illegal sites and towards trusted, licensed operators.”
What were your key takeaways from the UK Gambling Commission CEO’s speech?
“Mr Rhodes’ speech was excellent to hear. It’s reassuring to see a regulator so openly address the need to curb illegal operators, whilst also acknowledging that responsible companies are committed to doing the right thing.
One point that really stood out was his call to action against suppliers who still work with black-market operators. This is an issue that needs to be discussed by all players in the industry – regulators, operators, suppliers, and ancillary service providers alike. The more transparent the line between regulated and unregulated operators, the clearer it will be for the public to understand and the safer the environment we can all provide for our players.”
What regulatory trends are on your radar for 2025?
“Personalisation and localisation have been key trends for a few years now, but after attending ICE Barcelona, it’s clear they’re set to become even more crucial. Players want to feel valued, as though the experience is designed just for them. Of course, balancing this with the growing complexity of regulatory requirements isn’t easy to navigate. But if we understand our players, we can offer not only the most entertaining experience but also the safest playing environment.
Global regulation will remain a top priority. Our hope is that regulators will collaborate more closely, paving the way for greater standardisation. This would reduce complexity for international operators like us, making it easier to navigate diverse markets. We see our role in this endeavour as being transparent and engaging actively with regulators and legislators – understanding their goals and sharing our insights on how to best achieve those objectives.”
