In an exclusive interview, Mateo Lenoble, Kambi's director for Latin America, expressed concerns about Brazil's ban on betting operators, stating it hinders progress and undermines confidence in the country. Lenoble noted that even if betting operations resume quickly, the legal uncertainties created by this ban would remain prevalent. He emphasized the importance of clear regulations, warning that without them, the integrity of sports is at risk.
Lenoble argued that strict regulations and oversight are essential to combat illegal gambling and match-fixing. In an unregulated environment, bettors are likely to turn to unlicensed platforms, diminishing the government's ability to maintain control over the sports landscape and increasing vulnerabilities.
When asked about the impact on Kambi's growth in Brazil, Lenoble acknowledged that the ban directly affects their operations since the company only engages in regulated markets. The provisional measure halting betting has disrupted Kambi’s plans in Brazil.
He expressed openness to re-entering the Brazilian market under a new regulatory framework, should the situation change. However, he cautioned that the ongoing uncertainty might continue to pose challenges. Lenoble remarked on the attractiveness of Brazil’s market, which ranks among the largest in the world, but reiterated the necessity of a stable regulatory environment to protect investments.
Lenoble pointed out that while Kambi does not partner with many operators in Brazil, the existing clients are critical. They utilized Kambi’s comprehensive sports betting platform before the ban, and are now facing difficulties. Kambi is committed to supporting these partners during this uncertain period, especially those solely reliant on the Brazilian market.
On the subject of sports integrity, Lenoble stressed that a regulated market is crucial in the fight against match-fixing. He indicated that without proper regulatory measures, the risk of such unethical practices increases significantly.
Lenoble also mentioned Kambi's partnerships with global organizations dedicated to mitigating match-fixing risks, including membership in the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). Kambi maintains its own integrity department ensuring that clients provide the safest sports betting options available.
Lastly, Lenoble reiterated that the ban on betting would lead many gamblers to the illegal market, which could jeopardize the integrity of sports. A regulated sector, he said, is far more effective in combating illegal gambling, while an absence of regulation leads to a diminished capacity for oversight, potentially compromising sporting integrity.
