Brazil Bets’ integrity must be grounded by education, tech and collaboration

The SBC Summit in Rio saw leading South American gaming executives reflect on the unique integrity challenges faced by a nascent Brazil Bets regime.

Brazil Bets’ passage into existence was marked with extensive probes and revisions related to safeguarding sports integrity, recognised as the key concern of politicians and senators. 

These investigations and reflections were deemed essential as Brazil’s betting market shed its grey wings to launch the single largest regulated online gambling marketplace.

At the Rio Summit a panel moderated by Fellipe Fraga, Chief Business Officer at EstrelaBet, shed insights on whether Bets can match its high integrity expectations, calming nerves of how its progress will be judged.

Sportradar’s Felippe Marchetti, a specialist in sports data monitoring technology for South American markets, set the stage by stressing the importance of direct engagement with athletes and clubs to prevent corruption.

“Latin American countries, such as Brazil, have seen a massive volume of betting for decades, without any form of monitoring, as the activity was considered illegal. 

“Now that a regulatory framework is in place and the debate is part of public discourse, the industry must take action on responsible gambling.”

Betsul CEO, Fernando Garita, drew on decades of experience in Costa Rica’s betting industry, noting that while responsible gambling discussions have progressed, technology now enables operators to detect erratic behaviours and suspicious patterns among both bettors and athletes. 

He advocated for the creation of national regulatory agencies, aligned with international bodies like the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), stating: “Integrity cannot depend on a single company but must be achieved through collective effort.”

Fellipe Fraga highlighted EstrelaBet’s commitment to integrity, noting its affiliation with IBIA and its implementation of cybersecurity and sports monitoring protocols to uphold the protection of Brazilian sports.

“When we understand the cultural implications of Latin America’s sports legacy, protecting it becomes an obligation,” added Roberto Regianini, reflecting on his career in sports betting compliance. “We also need to engage in self-criticism because there is always room for improvement.”

Sportradar, recognised for its technology-driven integrity solutions, continues to monitor betting patterns and collaborates with leading sports leagues globally to detect and prevent fraudulent activity.

Maykon Martins, CEO, Betspeed underscored the financial and reputational risks that corruption poses to operators, stating: “We need collaboration, to promote a healthy image of this industry, which serves an entertainment purpose, and to lead by example with good practices. 

“We need to share best practices and positive outcomes. After discussions and debates, the next step is taking personal responsibility.”

Fraga reinforced Brazil’s commitment to transparency, noting that operators are actively evaluating technological solutions to enhance industry standards. “At EstrelaBet, we want to change the social perception of this industry.”

Fernando Garita, addressed the audience directly, challenging industry professionals on their engagement with integrity training:

“As industry professionals, how many of you receive integrity training? I am sure very few… The work starts by setting an example within our own organisations.”

He stressed that integrity must be embedded across all levels of the industry, not just among consumers and athletes. “Every company must have an internal integrity programme aligned with national and global standards set by regulatory agencies.”

Rafael Ganem, a former executive of Serie-A football club Botafogo SP closed the session by calling for greater investment in education at the club level.

“Our clubs must contribute by educating and training their own players. Young athletes who enter the sport hoping to change their lives and improve their countries’ cultures must receive the necessary education to resist criminal temptations. We are ready to establish national directives for this purpose.”

The panel concluded that further judgements await on how sports integrity rules and dynamics will be played-out. Bets leaders must take proactive measures to uphold these standards prioritising education, tech and collaboration to ensure a sustainable and transparent future for sports betting in Brazil, helping protect a wider Latin American market.