As soon as the doors of Riocentro opened on Wednesday, February 26, one thing was clear: SBC Summit Rio has grown in size and relevance compared to the 2024 edition. With an estimated attendance of 15,000 people and close to 400 exhibiting companies, the first day of the event brought together executives from Brazil, different Latin American countries, and the world.
Former footballer Bebeto, World champion with the Brazilian national team in 1994, was responsible for the opening panel. In his speech, he discussed details of his career on the field, the challenges he faced, the reality of soccer today, and shared lessons on leadership.
Then it was time for one of the most awaited panels of the day, on the regulation of online gambling in Brazil. Among the speakers were Senator Irajá Silvestre (rapporteur of the bill to legalize casinos, bingos, and jogo do bicho in the Senate) and the Undersecretary of Prizes and Gambling of the Ministry of Finance, Carolina Yumi.
“Unlike what happened all over the world (where first physical gambling was approved and then electronic gambling, via the Internet, moved forward), Brazil followed the reverse path. In a short time, we approved the regulation of online gambling. And now, after 33 years, we are finally discussing, voting, and, God willing, we will approve physical gambling, which is a project for which I had the privilege of being appointed rapporteur,” Irajá pointed out in the panel.
Yumi highlighted the regulatory work done by the Prizes and Gambling Secretariat, which completed one year of operation at the beginning of 2025. “As for the start of inspection, surveillance, and sanctioning, I think the regulation has achieved its purpose of going through this first cycle. We are already preparing for the second cycle. For the second cycle of the regulation, we decided to open a public consultation, to have an idea of what the secretariat’s priorities should be,” she said.
Other issues that also came up on the first day of the conference were the concern about the illegal market, the possible legalization of casinos, the role of state and municipal lotteries, and payment methods.
In the exhibition area, national and international operators and suppliers showcased their latest products and solutions and took the opportunity to strengthen ties with clients and partners in the sector.
Last day of SBC Summit Rio
SBC Summit Rio will have its last day this Thursday, February 27. Below is a summary of the main sessions of the program (the presentations are taking place simultaneously and the full program is available at this link):
11:00 – 11:40
Brazilian leaders: Innovation and strategic adaptation
Speakers: Lívia Troise (CIO of Casa de Apostas), Alex Fonseca (CEO of Superbet), Almir Ribeiro (CEO of BetMGM Brasil), Rafael Borges (CEO of UX Group), Tiago Toscano (director of Desempeño de Esportes Da Sorte). Moderated by Marcos Oliveira (COO of Clever Advertising Group).
11:40 – 12:00
Innovating iGaming: Loyalty, engagement, and retention driven by NFTs.
Speaker: Beatriz Melges Lopes (regional director of BetConstruct).
12:10 – 12:40
What’s happening in the lottery world: Opportunities and updates
Speakers: Hazenclever Lopes Cançado (President of the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery) and Iuri Castro (Specialist in lottery and betting regulation). Moderated by Paulo Horn (lawyer of Paiva & Horn Advogados Associados).
12:10 – 12:50
Get ready, Brazil! Towards a safer future
Speakers: Bruno Geraldini (Country Manager at Brazino777), Jun Makuta (Partner at Tozzinifreire Advogados), Julia Do Valle (Legal Counsel at ProntoPaga), and Uros Markovic (Chief Operating Officer at Mobinc). Moderated by Jon Moss (Director of 34 Consulting Ltd).
14.50 – 15.30
AMIG: Inclusive regulation of sports betting
Speakers: Teresa Caeiro, Bárbara Teles, Ana Pamplona, Ana Barbara Teixeira, and Natalia Nogues (founders of AMIG).
15.40 – 16.00
Essential guide to preparing the application process
Speaker: Senator Irajá Silvestre (rapporteur of the bill for the legalization of casinos, bingos, and games of chance). Moderated by Leonardo Benites (CEO of Propane).
15:40 – 16:20
Tech Talk: Where innovation meets regulation
Speakers: Daniel Eskinazi (General Director of Rivalo), Bruno Motta (National Director of Wooeen), André Gelfi (General Director of the Brazilian Responsible Gaming Institute), Volodymyr Taftai (National Director of AtlasLive). Moderated by Alessandra Lewit (Chief of Staff of BetMGM Brazil).
At 21:00, the event organizers will hold the official closing party of the SBC Summit Rio at Riocentro Superstage.
SBC Summit Rio 2025 – Executives and visitors
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/27/96557-first-day-of-sbc-summit-rio-reinforces-brazil-39s-position-as-a-global-industry-player
