Hugo Baungartner, COO at Brazilian consultancy RCT Gaming, is one of the many expert authorities taking part in this year’s Juegos Miami (May 30 - June 1, Miami Biltmore Hotel). Ahead of his participation in the Juegos Miami Country Roundtables feature, which provides delegates with an unrivalled opportunity to engage with the region's key influencers and decision makers, Hugo Baungartner took a minute to discuss Brazil’s past, present and future prospects, emphasising the need for cross–country exchange in order to overcome obstacles and avoid the need to constantly try and re-invent the regulatory wheel.
In your opinion, how important is it to have events such as Juegos Miami where decision makers from both the industry and regulators can meet and network?
In a world like today, where technologies renew so quickly, having the opportunity to meet people who make decisions in the gaming industry is extremely critical, and Juegos Miami is an important meeting point and strategically positioned to serve all Latin America. I am looking forward to hopefully meeting all the players in the gaming industry at the event, and I also hope the Brazilian government will be represented and open to suggestions on how to produce an excellent and serious regulation of the gaming market.
What do you hope to achieve at the Juegos Miami Country Roundtables?
The socio-economic and language similarity of Latin American countries makes it possible to exchange experiences among regulators and operators to guide industry projects. These meetings make this exchange faster and very objective.
What is your current assessment of the legislative landscape in Brazil?
Brazil has passed and is undergoing some political transformations. These transformations end up focusing on other important decisions for the future of the country. The subject of gaming regulation has never been so widely discussed and, despite being a year in which a new president will be elected, we hope that regulation will not be delayed.
In relation to this, what are the obstacles which Brazil needs to overcome?
The media prejudice seems to be less apparent. We now need to overcome the prejudice of some religious-minded parliamentarians, who are isolated, usually without any clear and sustainable basis. They are blind or do not want to see that non-regulation is worse for those they claim to be protecting.
Do you think Brazil should learn from other jurisdiction's regulatory systems currently in place or should it create its own bespoke set of regulations?
No one should want to reinvent the wheel. There are several global regulations on which Brazil should look to with regards to controlling regulated gambling. With the current development of technology it is possible to be very precise with the online control of gaming and bets, which makes so much possible going forward.
How valuable do you think it is that this year’s event has been co-located with GiGse, bringing a Pan-Latin American event and a North American one together under one roof?
The whole experience of the North American market is important for other countries. It will be an excellent opportunity for global operators to showcase to US entrepreneurs that they have the technology and expertise to work effectively in that market.
The extensive Juegos Miami 2018 program, which will take place across three days at The Biltmore in Miami, will enable operators, regulators and governments to rise to the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. To download the agenda, visit: https://www.juegosmiami.com/learning-program.
To apply for a place at Juegos Miami, which last year attracted exhibitors and representatives from a total of 44 countries, register at www.juegosmiami.com
Image: Hugo Baungartner, COO at Brazilian consultancy RCT Gaming
