The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has confirmed the departure of its executive president, Fernando Vieira, acknowledging his impactful contributions since he joined the organization. Vieira, who became part of the IBJR in October 2024 and stepped into the role of executive chairman by March this year, has played a pivotal role during a significant era for Brazil’s gambling industry. His decision to leave comes as he seeks new professional avenues outside the gambling sector, prompting the IBJR to begin the search for his successor.
Until a new leader is appointed, André Gelfi, a current director and advisor, will assume the role of executive president. Gelfi, a founding member of the IBJR, is also the managing partner of Betsson Group in Brazil, bringing extensive experience to the interim position.
Reflecting on his time with the IBJR, Vieira expressed pride in steering the organization during the launch of Brazil’s online gambling market on January 1st. “It was an honour to lead the IBJR at this historic regulatory milestone,” he remarked, emphasizing his satisfaction with the IBJR’s efforts in protecting consumers and enhancing the industry’s credibility. He expressed his belief that the institute would continue to thrive and advance its mission in the evolving landscape of Brazilian gambling.
A significant part of Vieira’s tenure focused on combating the illegal gambling market, a major concern for licensed operators in Brazil. The IBJR lauded Vieira for his decisive role in this arena. Under his leadership, the institute became a vocal opponent of the Brazilian government’s provisional measure to hike the tax rate on operators’ Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) from 12% to 18%, warning that such a measure could amplify the illegal market’s share from an already substantial 50% to a daunting 60%.
Vieira’s stance was clear: for operators to remain viable in Brazil, increasing the level of channelisation and combatting illicit activities were essential. “The only way operators will be sustainable in Brazil is to increase the channelisation level, and for that, the fight against the illicit market becomes even more important,” he noted in June. This perspective underscores the ongoing challenges in stabilizing the regulated market and curbing unauthorized operations.
In response to these challenges, the IBJR, under Vieira’s leadership, launched a comprehensive campaign to draw bettors away from illegal platforms. This initiative included ads across radio, TV, social media, and even airport billboards, all aimed at promoting licensed gambling services. Moreover, the introduction of the BetAlert website has provided bettors with the means to verify the legitimacy of online betting sites, thereby strengthening consumer protection and trust in licensed entities.
In the official announcement of Vieira’s departure, the IBJR highlighted the meaningful strides made against illegal gambling, attributing significant achievements to his leadership. His departure, however, raises questions about the future direction of the IBJR and its strategies to further consolidate the legal gambling market.
While some within the industry express optimism about the new leadership under André Gelfi, others voice concern over the continuity of the momentum gained during Vieira’s tenure. The transition occurs as Brazil’s gambling industry seeks to balance regulatory demands with market growth, amidst a backdrop of economic challenges and competitive pressures.
Gelfi’s tenure as interim executive president is seen as an opportunity to build on current successes while navigating the complex regulatory environment. As one insider put it, the shift in leadership is both a challenge and an opportunity to reinforce the IBJR’s commitment to a transparent and responsible gambling market.
The Brazilian gambling industry’s context is marked by rapid growth and evolving regulations. With the legalization and regulation of various gambling forms, operators are eager to capture market share amidst regulatory uncertainties. The increased tax burden proposed by the government is a point of contention, with licensed operators fearing it may stifle the market’s growth and drive more bettors to unregulated platforms.
In addition to taxation, the industry’s regulatory framework continues to evolve, with stakeholders advocating for policies that facilitate sustainable growth while protecting consumers. The IBJR’s role in shaping these discussions remains crucial, as it represents the interests of licensed operators and strives to create a fair and competitive market environment.
As the gambling sector in Brazil matures, the coming months will be critical in determining how effectively the IBJR can maintain its influence and drive forward its mission under new leadership. The industry watches closely, eager to see whether the strides made in recent years will be sustained and built upon, ultimately fulfilling the promise of a robust and responsible gaming market in Brazil.
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