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Dr. Michael Auer, Managing Director of OpenBet’s Neccton, examines how robust player protection tools can address the risks that Brazilians currently face in order to facilitate a safer experience
Brazil’s regulated market is set to go live in less than a month and the first list of authorised operators has now been announced. As the noise around the market’s opening grows louder, the need for responsible gaming measures has never been clearer.
The issue of problematic gaming behaviors was brought to the attention of mainstream media recently when a report suggested that Brazilian bettors are taking out loans with up to 438% interest to fund the current betting spend. This demonstrates the reason why regulation is being introduced in Brazil to create a safer environment, while also underscoring the urgent need for operators to equip themselves with the necessary tools to protect players.
Many locally licensed operators, such as BandBet and Grupo Silvio Santos, have publicly declared their intentions to prioritise responsible gaming and are integrating cutting-edge player protection tools to demonstrate this approach. By partnering with OpenBet’s Neccton, they have demonstrated their commitment to player protection.
In the new year, keen observers from outside the industry will be quick to scrutinise the betting entertainment landscape in Brazil. Therefore, implementing safer gaming initiatives must be a priority for every licensed operator’s strategy.
Proactivity fosters trust
Brazil’s gambling population is now estimated at 52 million. While this presents significant opportunities for growth, with onshore betting and gaming GGR expected to reach US$10.1bn by 2029 (H2GC, 2024), there are risks that problem gaming could rise in tandem.
Thoughtful and informed interventions have the power to prevent Brazilian bettors from getting into financial difficulties, with real-time alerts able to ‘nudge’ players before a problem arises, and self-assessments evaluating if they can accurately reflect on their losses.
This is where advanced player protection technology, such as Neccton’s Mentor Live software, comes into play. As the betting landscape evolves with emerging demographics and technologies, new challenges arise. Brazil is facing a degree of the unknown when it comes to the day-to-day realities of its live onshore market, but real-time AI-powered player protection tools can get ahead of changing threats and educate players on concerning patterns of behavior before they become a problem.
These real-time feedback tools are shown to reduce deposit spend and losses due to limit-setting functions, while leveraging insights from the most up-to-date peer-reviewed research and behavioral data. Ultimately, prevention is better than cure, and in Brazil, it is essential to the newly regulated market’s future.
Prevention is the most powerful tool to keep players safe and this can be achieved through proactive feedback in real-time. Studies have also shown that the adoption of responsible gaming tools increases loyalty. A proper player protection approach facilitates healthy play and sustains economic growth at the same time.
Inside player protection tools
Neccton’s entire turnkey offering, including responsible gaming and anti-money laundering solutions are based on machine learning and analyses more than 60 billion transactions annually to detect early signs of problematic play.
By using a combination of pop-ups, personalised messaging, time limits, loss and deposit limits, and real-time alerts, Neccton provides operators with a dynamic and data-driven solution that addresses responsible gaming on multiple fronts. The tools ultimately empower customers to remain in control of what they spend and reduce the risk of losing track of their losses.
Brazil presents a new frontier for the global gaming industry, and operators must prepare themselves to protect players in a regulated market that is still in its infancy. By committing to tackling problem play head-on, brands can demonstrate they are a reliable and responsible source of entertainment, while taking steps to safeguard against the real financial threats some Brazilian bettors face.
