From SBC Summit Rio, Cathryn Lai reveals OpenBet's expansion plans in Latin America
(Rio de Janeiro, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Cathryn Lai has more than 15 years of experience in the gaming industry and is currently Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at OpenBet, one of the most important companies dedicated to technological solutions for the sports betting and gaming industry that has played a central role in the market since 1996. After her time at SBC Summit Rio, Lai analyzes the company's expansion strategies in the Brazilian market in particular and Latin America in general.
What were the main products or services OpenBet presented at SBC Summit Rio?
Our focus was on demonstrating how OpenBet stands out as a trusted technology provider, emphasising reliability, scalability, and a commitment to responsible gaming, and how our comprehensive solutions can be tailored to meet the unique needs and potential of the Brazilian market.
We understand the importance of instilling confidence in Brazilian operators, showcasing how our platform ensures seamless operations — a critical factor in a region where trust is paramount in the technology market.
The Latin American betting market and football
Football has a key place for your products. How did you incorporate it into OpenBet?
Recognizing Brazil's deep passion for football and content consumption, we showcased our tailored pricing and content creation products. Our platform offers an extensive array of pricing options, including unique BetBuilder content, empowering players to create customized bets that feature various elements such as players, scores, cards, and corners. Additionally, we highlighted our official rights to popular sports in Brazil, such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and UFC, further enriching our content offering.
In the context of a newly regulated market, player protection takes centre stage. We emphasized our commitment to responsible gaming through our Neccton platform, presented by Neccton’s Managing Director Michael Auer. The technology utilizes real-time data analysis and AI models to predict unusual, and potentially problematic player behaviour, enabling a proactive intervention to prevent dangerous play, and further promote safer gaming practices.
What is your vision for the future of sports betting in the Brazilian market and in Latin America?
Our vision is driven by a commitment to innovation, customisation, and engagement. As we anticipate the country's deep passion for football to remain a dominant force in the betting landscape, we recognise it as the cornerstone of our offerings. Products like BetBuilder are poised to capture the attention of a diverse audience, becoming essential features of sportsbook offerings.
Additionally, Brazil's strong affinity for MMA presents a unique opportunity for us to introduce the industry's first UFC BetBuilder product, showcasing the capabilities and access of the Endeavor network. The enthusiastic response from operators in Latin America is a testament to the potential of this product, and we foresee significant growth as we introduce it to Brazil's regulated market.
Our goal is to deliver personalized betting experiences that deeply resonate with players, driving sustained growth and engagement in the market. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a steadfast commitment to responsible gaming, we’re ready to shape the future of sports betting in Brazil and Latin America.
The Brazilian industry and Openbet's plans
Another important theme is legal issues in Brazil.How are OpenBet adapting to the local Brazilian regulations?
For years, OpenBet has been diligently preparing to position itself as a key supplier for the Brazilian market, ensuring readiness across various areas, such as payments, responsible gaming, CRM, personalisation, and localisation. As a leading supplier in numerous global regulated betting markets for over 25 years, our adaptability and proactive approach to regulatory changes have been pivotal to our success.
We are fully committed to being an active participant in discussions aimed at building a sustainable gaming environment in Brazil. Our goal is to contribute to an industry that grows ethically, ensuring that players feel safe and secure while enjoying their betting experiences. Recognizing that player protection is paramount in a regulated market, we stand ready to provide operators with the necessary tools and resources to ensure gameplay is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
By leveraging our expertise and experience in navigating regulatory frameworks around the world, OpenBet is well-equipped to support the Brazilian market's evolution. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where responsible gaming practices are upheld, generating trust among players, operators, and regulatory authorities alike.
What are your company's expansion plans in the Brazilian market?
We recognize the immense potential of the Brazilian market, especially considering its status as one of the largest countries to regulate sports betting. With its estimated size of its user base, Brazil is poised to become one of the major markets within the industry.
We’re fully committed to bringing a best-in-class product to the Brazilian market by understanding the expectations of the population and are dedicated to meeting and exceeding them. Our expansion plans in Brazil involve leveraging our expertise, technology, and industry-leading solutions to deliver a seamless, engaging, and responsible gaming experience for Brazilian players and operators.
By focusing on innovation, reliability, and responsible gaming practices, we aim to establish ourselves as a trusted partner in Brazil's evolving betting landscape. We are excited about the opportunities that Brazil presents and are confident in our ability to deliver unparalleled value to the market.
What’s next on the trade show attending fixture list?
I’m excited to return to Brazil in April, this time in São Paulo for SiGMA Americas, and then over to New Jersey for the SBC Summit North America in May. SiGMA Americas presents another excellent opportunity for us to extend momentum and engage with delegates from the region. It's a perfect platform for us to gain insights into local preferences and tailor our offering accordingly, further enhancing our localisation efforts. We look forward to connecting with industry leaders, exchanging ideas, and building valuable partnerships.