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March kicked off with strong momentum in Rio de Janeiro, where the Latin American iGaming ecosystem gathered to mark the beginning of one of the industry’s most important annual event calendars. The latest edition of CGS Events once again demonstrated why it has become one of the most influential boutique gatherings in the sector, bringing together regulators, operators, technology providers and industry leaders to discuss the future of Brazil’s rapidly evolving market.

In a city known for its tropical heat and vibrant energy, the event offered far more than a traditional conference agenda. Throughout the day, networking, learning and business opportunities blended seamlessly with Rio’s unmistakable atmosphere. Experts from across the global gaming industry shared insights on regulatory frameworks, technological innovation and strategic development in a market that is undergoing profound transformation.

Below is a closer look at the panels that shaped the event’s agenda.

Cities, Tourism and Responsible Gaming: Building Sustainable Entertainment Ecosystems

The role of gaming as an economic driver set the tone for the conference. In this panel, Paulo Horn, Giovanni Rocco, Plínio Augusto Lemos Jorge and Bárbara Teles explored how collaboration between the public sector, private investment and tourism can strengthen both economic and social development.

Panelists emphasized that gaming should not be viewed as an isolated activity but rather as part of a broader entertainment and tourism ecosystem. In this context, Responsible Gaming plays a crucial role in providing the legitimacy necessary for sustainable industry growth.

The discussion also highlighted how cities with strong tourism strategies can benefit from well-regulated entertainment ecosystems capable of attracting international visitors, boosting investment and creating new employment opportunities.

The Price of Success: Prosperity in the Midst of Chaos

One of the most inspiring sessions of the event came from Iuri R. Castro (Eng, MSc, PhD), who delivered a keynote focused on leadership, resilience and decision-making in times of uncertainty.

Under the theme “The Price of Success,” Castro shared insights on how challenging environments often become catalysts for innovation and growth when leaders maintain strategic clarity.

Blending academic expertise with real-world business insights, the keynote encouraged attendees to rethink how they approach disruption and uncertainty. In an industry as dynamic as iGaming, adaptability and strategic vision were presented as essential leadership traits.

From Chaos to Confidence: Building Sustainable Gaming Markets

Regulation and technology took center stage in this panel featuring Susan Bala, Witoldo Hendrich Júnior and Luciana Hendrich.

The experts examined the similarities and differences between the regulatory landscapes of North America and Brazil, two regions advancing toward structured and regulated gaming environments while facing unique challenges.

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of institutional trust as a foundation for sustainable market growth. Panelists highlighted how regulatory clarity, combined with advanced technological tools, can foster transparency and confidence among stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Official Perspective on Brazil’s Regulated Betting Market – SPA Report 2026

One of the most anticipated sessions of the event featured Fabio Macorin and Carlos Renato Xavier de Resende from Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), who presented the first official results of the country’s regulated betting market.

The session explored the initial impact of regulation and the key challenges still facing the industry. Among the main topics discussed was the importance of collaboration with industry associations to verify publications, combat illegal activity and address piracy within the sector.

The presentation offered valuable institutional insight into the current state of Brazil’s betting market and outlined priorities for the regulatory agenda moving forward.

Self-Exclusion, Player Protection and Healthy Incentives

Player protection continues to be one of the core pillars of regulated gaming markets. In this panel, Andiara Maria Braga Maranhão and Thiago Iusim discussed how supervised self-regulation mechanisms can contribute to a safer betting environment.

The conversation covered tools such as self-exclusion programs, responsible advertising guidelines and initiatives designed to encourage healthier gaming behavior.

Both experts emphasized that cooperation between regulators and industry stakeholders is essential to balancing economic growth with consumer protection.

Sharp Vision: A New Global Regulatory Era

In her keynote presentation, Anna Martins introduced Sharp Vision, a technological framework designed to support regulators in both mature and emerging gaming markets.

The platform relies on centralized monitoring systems that enable real-time supervision of gaming activities, helping authorities detect illegal operations while strengthening market transparency.

The presentation demonstrated how technology can become a powerful ally for regulators seeking to maintain oversight without hindering innovation.

Structural Taxation in Online Gaming: Challenges and Competitiveness in Brazil’s Regulatory Future

Taxation was another major topic addressed during the conference. In this panel, Ana Helena Karnas Hoefel Pamplona and Amilton Noble examined how fiscal structures can significantly influence the competitiveness of Brazil’s regulated market.

Panelists explained that a well-designed tax framework is essential to attracting investment and ensuring long-term market sustainability. At the same time, they warned that excessive taxation could unintentionally push players toward illegal channels.

The discussion made it clear that taxation policy will play a decisive role in shaping the future of Brazil’s regulated gaming ecosystem.

Smart Regulation: Creating the Casino Market of the Future in Brazil

The potential development of a land-based casino industry in Brazil was also part of the agenda. This panel brought together Hazenclever Lopes Cançado, Roberto Carvalho Brasil Fernandes, Vinicius Pinho and Matt Sahakian to discuss how the country can build a competitive and responsible casino market.

The experts explored how international regulatory models could serve as valuable references while emphasizing the need for legal certainty, transparent frameworks and policies that encourage investment.

They also highlighted the positive impact that a well-regulated casino sector could have on tourism, urban development and job creation.

Chat & Wine – Building the Future of Brazil’s Gaming Market

The event concluded with an exclusive networking experience sponsored by Pay4Fun, where industry leaders gathered for strategic conversations in a more informal setting.

During this session, Leonardo Baptista, Ellen Sezerino, Daniel Magariños, Beatriz Melges and Fellipe Fraga reflected on the first year of Brazil’s regulated market and discussed what lies ahead in the 2026 regulatory agenda.

Despite the relaxed format, the discussion offered meaningful insights into the sector’s future and highlighted the importance of building trusted relationships between operators, regulators and technology providers.

A Strong Starting Point for Latin America’s iGaming Year

With a program centered on regulation, innovation and sustainability, CGS Rio 2026 set the stage for what promises to be a pivotal year for the Latin American gaming industry.

Brazil continues to establish itself as one of the most significant emerging markets in the global iGaming landscape. Events like this highlight the importance of ongoing dialogue between regulators, industry leaders and technology innovators in building a transparent, competitive and sustainable ecosystem.

In a city where energy never fades, the message from CGS Rio was clear: the future of iGaming in Latin America is already in motion.