Exploring the Future of Comtrade Gaming at the SBC Summit Lisbon

As the SBC Summit concluded in Lisbon, a vibrant hub for the gaming industry, industry leaders gathered to discuss trends, opportunities, and strategic developments that could shape the future of gaming. Among them was Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer of Comtrade Gaming, who shared insights into the company’s ambitions, particularly in the burgeoning Latin American markets, with a keen focus on Brazil.

A Thriving Event

The recent SBC Summit marked a significant milestone, with attendance surging by 70% compared to 2023. For Comtrade Gaming, the event proved to be a fruitful opportunity to connect with both established and prospective partners. Valentine expressed enthusiasm about the show, remarking, “It’s been a great show for us! We’ve seen significant growth this year, which has been encouraging.” The launch of their new games division earlier in the year further amplified their presence at the summit, attracting valuable discussions with potential partners, particularly from Brazil.

Key Areas of Interest

One of the standout features of Comtrade Gaming at the summit was the focus on platform technology and games. Valentine noted that there has been considerable interest in finding the right technology solutions specifically tailored for Brazil. Recent regulatory developments in the country have sparked interest, leading many operators to seek advanced technological support that could help them navigate the market effectively.

"Our main inquiries focused on platforms and regulation," he explained, signifying the industry’s collective need for clarity and guidance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Successful Launch of Gaming Division

Comtrade Gaming’s recent foray into game development has proven to be a game-changer. Launched in February, the new gaming division has quickly ramped up its offerings, successfully going live with operators and gaining traction in competitive markets. Valentine emphasized that this division represents a significant part of Comtrade’s evolving business model, allowing them to engage with clients in a more interactive way.

Valentine expressed satisfaction with the pace of growth, stating, “We have been extremely busy ramping up our games sales and development teams. The response has been fantastic, and our games have performed very well.” The company has set an ambitious goal to double its game releases from one a month to an impressive two.

Brazil: The Hot Topic

Brazil continues to capture the attention of Comtrade Gaming and many other stakeholders in the gaming industry. With a mix of local operators struggling to modernize their technology amidst new regulations, there’s ample opportunity for companies like Comtrade to step in and offer robust solutions.

Valentine articulated the challenge local operators face: “There are a lot of very good operators in Brazil who have very bad or poor technology. The regulation is providing a clear framework, and now brands from Europe and more developed markets are looking to enter Brazil to compete using superior technology.”

He expressed optimism about the country’s regulatory approach, which appears to balance player taxation and market growth effectively. “The overall regulatory approach seems sensible,” he said, suggesting it could serve as a model for other South American countries.

Insights on Regulatory Challenges

Valentine touched on what he believes to be the peculiarities of the Brazilian regulatory environment, particularly the taxation on player winnings. He acknowledged that “taxing player winnings is a unique challenge. Most markets don’t normally do that, so we’ll see how players react.” With a more reasonable tax rate compared to other jurisdictions, the Brazilian model is starting to attract attention, and Comtrade is keen to play a pivotal role in this expanding market.

Focus on Expansion

With the excitement surrounding Brazil, Comtrade is actively enhancing its resources in Latin America, including recruiting native speakers to foster local ties and increase engagement. As Valentine noted, “We are definitely turning our attention to the LatAm region a lot more.” This strategic move illustrates a commitment to effectively address the regional market’s unique cultural and operational dynamics.

Significant Licensing Movements

On the regulatory front, Comtrade has made strides in securing licenses, with recent achievements including a license in Malta and plans to expand into the UK and Romania. Brazil remains a primary focus as the company aims to expand its operational footprint in the region.

Valentine stated, “We are a company that has always shown good, steady growth. We don’t expand at a rate that affects our clients negatively, which is central to our approach.”

Future Projects and Goals

Looking ahead, Comtrade Gaming is setting ambitious objectives to solidify its presence in Brazil. A key milestone is to launch their first platform client in Brazil by the end of the year, a deal that was solidified during the SBC Summit. This strategic partnership represents a crucial step in building a long-term relationship with Brazilian operators and sets the stage for future initiatives in 2025 and beyond.

With the gaming landscape transforming rapidly in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Comtrade Gaming is well-positioned to seize on emerging opportunities. As the company continues to grow its gaming division and refine its technology offerings, it remains committed to navigating the complexities of new regulatory frameworks, setting itself up for sustained success in a competitive market.