Kambi LatAm director warns ban on betting in Brazil threatens sports integrity

In an exclusive interview with iGaming Business, Mateo Lenoble argued that the ban on betting operators is hindering progress and undermining confidence in Brazil.

According to Kambi’s director for Latin America, even a rapid resumption of operations would not eliminate the legal uncertainty generated by this measure to prohibit betting. Furthermore, Lenoble warned that the absence of clear rules and consistent regulation posed risks to sporting integrity. 

Regarding sports integrity, the executive argued that in addition to strict rules, oversight strengthens the fight against illegal gambling and match-fixing.

Without a regulated environment, he stated, bettors tend to migrate to clandestine platforms. This weakens the government and regulators’ ability to control the sport – a scenario that increases risks.

iGaming Business – Brazil is going through a very difficult phase with the ban on betting. How does this impact Kambi’s growth plans in the country?

Mateo Lenoble – This certainly affects us, as we only work in regulated markets. The provisional measure that banned betting in Brazil is causing disruption to the projects we had been developing in the country.

iGB – Even if activity resumes, are there risks of legal uncertainty for new Kambi investments in the country?

ML – During the SBC Summit in Lisbon, I spoke extensively about the possibility of betting operators returning. The market is extremely attractive and is among the largest in the world. Kambi would be open to returning, under a new regulatory framework, and to supporting partners who decide to enter or return to Brazil.

I believe that uncertainty surrounding the country will persist for some time. If a violation of the rules of a regulated market could occur once, it could potentially happen again. 

iGB – Kambi doesn’t have that many partner operators. But are they relevant to the company?

ML – We have key clients in the country who, until the publication of the provisional measure, used our complete sports betting platform. They are suffering from the enactment of the provisional measure, and we are supporting each of them until a final decision is reached. Some are suffering even more, as they operate only in the country, while others operate in other jurisdictions and still have some breathing room. We want to continue investing in and developing the Brazilian market, but only time will tell how this will happen.

iGB – As someone deeply knowledgeable about sports integrity, do you believe that the end of betting could lead to an increase in cases of match-fixing?

ML – The regulated market helps combat match-fixing and ensure sporting integrity. For this reason, we have always defended the importance of regulation. Only in a regulated market with clear rules can these practices be combated.

iGB – Does Kambi maintain partnerships with major global companies in the fight against match-fixing?

ML – We have partnerships to combat match-fixing and, along with many of our partners, we are members of the International Betting Integrity Association – IBIA. Furthermore, we have our own integrity department to protect our clients. We do very serious work in this area to ensure that our clients offer their bettors the best and safest sports betting options available.

iGB – With the ban on betting, gamblers will migrate to the illegal market. Will this compromise the sport?

ML – As I said, with a regulated sector and clear rules, it’s much easier to combat illegal gambling. When the market isn’t regulated, the government and the regulatory body lose their power and ability to oversee it. As a result, they can’t implement the necessary safeguards. There are, indeed, risks of compromising the integrity of the sport.