Aposta Ganha among the first to secure betting licence in Brazil

Aposta Ganha Targets 10% Market Share in Brazil’s Licensed Betting Sector Through Strategic Early Entry

Aposta Ganha has made significant strides in establishing itself within Brazil’s burgeoning legalized betting market by securing one of the first licenses from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). This pivotal approval was announced on November 26, paving the way for the operator to commence its operations in January.

As a locally established operator, Aposta Ganha takes pride in this early recognition and approval, positioning itself as a front-runner in the evolving legal betting landscape of Brazil.

Hugo Baungartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Aposta Ganha, described this licensing approval as a monumental achievement, affirming the company’s commitment to a regulated sector that prioritizes player protection and stakeholder confidence. “We are extremely pleased with this progress. It not only demonstrates our belief in the Brazilian market but also underscores our dedication to offering high-quality services tailored for local bettors,” Baungartner stated during an interview with iGB.

The licensing process was highly competitive, with operators required to submit their applications by the August 20 deadline to be processed prior to the market’s launch. Ultimately, 113 operators submitted applications, intensifying the race to establish a foothold in this rapidly growing sector.

Following the submission period, the Brazilian government implemented measures, effective October 1, to suspend operators that had not applied for a license, ensuring that only compliant operators could function during the transitional phase that lasts until the end of the year.

“He Who Arrives First Drinks Pure Water”

The recent license approval positions Aposta Ganha advantageously as a first-mover in Brazil, with projections suggesting that approximately 40 operators will gain authorization before the official market launch. Baungartner emphasizes the strategic significance of this early entry, quoting a renowned Brazilian adage, “he who arrives first drinks pure water.”

This early advantage not only enhances Aposta Ganha’s visibility among prospective bettors but also sets a foundation for capturing market share ahead of its competitors who are still in the licensing process. “Experience in the gaming industry leads me to believe that the first operators to launch within a regulated environment typically see significant market advantages,” Baungartner explained.

To both retain its existing customers and attract new users, Aposta Ganha is focusing on transparency and compliance with the SPA’s regulations. “We prioritize making the transition seamless for bettors. Thus, compliance with all SPA demands will be paramount,” Baungartner assures. “Our strategy is to provide clear, informative communication to our consumers, ensuring they fully understand the transition process, which we believe is the best tactic to foster trust and loyalty.”

Recent publications, including Normative Ordinance 1,875, clarify the procedural expectations for migrating player data and funds to licensed operations in preparation for the launch. Operators wishing to facilitate this migration must formally request approval by December 13, with the stipulation that player consent is obtained. This transition is exclusive to operators active during the current phase, underscoring the need for proactive compliance.

Next Steps for Aposta Ganha

Despite the momentum, Baungartner acknowledged that there remain essential steps Aposta Ganha must complete ahead of the January launch. Key among these is the payment of a BRL 30 million (£4 million/€4.8 million/$5 million) license fee, as mandated by Normative Ordinance 827 released in May.

Furthermore, operators must demonstrate the legitimacy of their financial sources for this fee. Baungartner assured stakeholders, “For us, this is not an issue; we are fully compliant and prepared to fulfill this requirement, recognizing its importance.”

While Aposta Ganha is poised to launch its licensed platform, Baungartner indicated that its initial product offering may be limited, attributing this to ongoing certification processes for various game providers. “Our content will be somewhat restricted in the initial phase, as some providers have yet to complete the necessary game certifications. However, we plan to incrementally expand our game library in the months following our launch,” he noted.

Other operators, including Rei do Pitaco and Superbet, have also received their licenses recently, indicating a vibrant and competitive market landscape poised for rapid evolution in the coming months.