In a recent discussion with iGaming Business, Mateo Lenoble, Kambi's director for Latin America, expressed concerns that Brazil's ban on betting operators is stalling industry advancements and diminishing trust in the country. He emphasized that even a swift return to operations would not resolve the legal ambiguities stemming from this prohibition, and raised alarms about the risks to sports integrity due to a lack of clear regulations.
Lenoble specifically noted that effective sports integrity measures require stringent oversight, which is crucial in combating illegal gambling and match-fixing. Without a properly regulated environment, he argued, bettors tend to gravitate towards illicit platforms, complicating the government's and regulators' ability to maintain control—thus heightening overall risks.
In reflecting on Kambi's prospects in Brazil, Lenoble stated that the current ban has significant negative implications for their growth plans, insisting that they operate exclusively in regulated markets. The provisional measure that restricts betting has disrupted various projects Kambi had initiated in Brazil.
When asked about the potential for legal uncertainty affecting future investments, Lenoble expressed skepticism, noting that even if betting activities resumed, the ongoing uncertainty could persist. He mentioned his discussions at the SBC Summit in Lisbon regarding the allure of the Brazilian market, which he classified as one of the largest globally. Kambi would consider reentering the market under a new regulatory framework, supporting partners who also aim to return.
Kambi does maintain a limited number of partner operators within Brazil, yet Lenoble affirmed that these clients are critical to the company. He acknowledged that they had fully utilized Kambi's sports betting platform prior to the ban and are now facing hardships due to the provisional measure. While some partners operate in multiple jurisdictions and have more flexibility, others are left vulnerable, emphasizing Kambi's commitment to supporting them as they await a final resolution. The company's interest in investing further in Brazil will depend largely on future developments.
In response to concerns about match-fixing, Lenoble reiterated that a regulated environment plays a vital role in preventing such occurrences and safeguarding sports integrity. He affirmed Kambi's advocacy for regulation, stating that combating these issues is only effective within a framework of clear rules.
Finally, he addressed the issue of illegal gambling, cautioning that with the current ban, bettors will likely seek out unregulated options, which could jeopardize the integrity of sports. Lenoble concluded that a regulated sector allows for effective measures against illegal gambling, while a lack of regulation severely limits the government's oversight capabilities, increasing potential risks to sports integrity.
