“Gaming legalisation may help the Brazilian political situation”

(Exclusive interview).- Oscar Reginato, CEO at SALEX (South American Leisure Exhibition,) talked with Focus Gaming News about the upcoming Brazilian gaming market.

SALEX is one of the biggest parts of Brazilian gambling market. The unique event gathers representatives within the sector that is fighting its way to legalisation, an opportunity to change the international industry. Oscar Reginato shared the company’s expectations for the possible regulation in Brazil.

The gaming industry is anxious about the possible legalisation of Brazilian market, how is the country living up to the expectation?

The gaming industry is anxious about Brazilian market because of its great potential, which boosts the expectations. There are 200 million Brazilians and the possibility of opening 1 to 3 casinos in each state, meaning 35 legal casino licenses in total, plus 1 bingo salon per 150,000 inhabitants, which leads to 75 bingo salons only in São Paulo, where 11 million Brazilians live, and a potential of 650,000 slot machines, it is a huge opportunity for the industry if the law is approved. We understand that gaming legislation should be treated now, and we are ready to enhance the sector.

How is SALEX facing the seemingly upcoming legalisation?

SALEX has always been the trade show for the gaming sector when bingos were legal. We have been in the market for 26 years now, and we have all the experience and the infrastructure to prepare Brazilian gaming events as the gambling market opens up to the world.

We are ready! The launching of this edition of SALEX Gaming Brazil, our most distinguished event, has prepared the trade show floor and itinerary. For 20 years, we have been able to keep our relationships with the market, operators and manufacturers. We have been in touch with the international and local sector and we will be counting on the presence of main players of the gaming industry.

We have been in the market for 26 years now, and we have all the experience and the infrastructure to prepare Brazilian gaming events as the gambling market opens up to the world.

Which would be the impact in the gambling legislation with the current political situation in Brazil?

Gaming legalisation is widely discussed and it may help the current political situation and economic crisis by generating new incomes with the legal businesses. It would also help the employment rate and the economic flow.

If the legalisation was set in the following months, would the industry be able to fulfil the demand?

There are Brazilian companies that currently fulfil the international demand outside the country. We believe that after the gambling legalisation in Brazil, national market would encourage companies to be competitive in our country as well. We also believe that there would be new partnerships between international manufacturers and Brazilian entrepreneurs. The market would be big and it would require smart strategies to fulfil the expected demand.

Would Brazil join forces with other Latin American countries?

We have a strategic alliance with FADJA in Colombia, which maximises the synergy between our two shows. As SALEX Gaming Brazil is renowned for being the only event for the sector in the country, several markets are seeking partnerships and are discussing how to close those deals.

There are Brazilian companies that currently fulfil the international demand outside the country. We believe that after the gambling legalisation in Brazil, national market would encourage companies to be competitive in our country as well.

Which countries’ legislation are examples for Brazil to follow?

The law is being prepared for a Deputy commission in the National Congress. They have developed a broad investigation analysing various regulation models, learning the operation in detail and paying attention to failure and success situation. Each country has different legislation and Brazil is creating its own.

Which other events has the organisation planned besides Salex Brazil?

We held the SALEX Gaming Congress during FADJA 2016, where we discussed the progress of the gambling law progress, perceiving great results. We are planning Salex 2017 as well as further events for the sector even though we are not able to publish them yet. However we will publish interesting news for the market.