Exclusive: Stefan Catalan, Director of Integrity for Brazil at Betsson, talks about the expansion and challenges of iGaming in Latin America
The iGaming sector has been undergoing a revolution in Latin America, driven by new regulations and consumers’ growing interest. To better understand this landscape, we spoke with Stefan Catalan, a compliance specialist and senior manager at Betsson in Brazil. With his extensive career in the compliance sector and diverse experiences, Catalan shared his professional journey and the challenges and opportunities in the region’s betting market.
Before entering iGaming, Catalan gained experience in major financial institutions, working in compliance, anti-money laundering prevention, and regulation. He began his career at Banco Sofisa, where he realised his aptitude for processes and auditing.
“It was a unique opportunity to map processes within a smaller financial institution, which gave me a holistic view of how a bank operates.”
The transition to the iGaming sector happened naturally when Catalan noticed the movement in market regulation. In 2024, he joined Betsson to assist in obtaining a licence from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting at the Ministry of Finance.
“It was a very satisfying job because we applied our experience from the financial sector to regulate an activity that, until then, was in a grey area in Brazil.”
Challenges and opportunities in Latin America
Betsson’s expansion in Latin America has been strategic. The company has strengthened its presence in Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. According to Catalan, two factors drive this growth:
“We have a large population and an undeniable passion for sports. This creates a great opportunity for iGaming.”
He also highlights the intense competition and the projected market consolidation in the coming years.
“Just as it happened with fintechs, some companies will merge, others will exit the market. I believe that between 2029 and 2034, we will see a reduction in the number of active operators, with the strongest consolidating.”
Compliance and responsible gaming
Compliance is fundamental to Betsson’s strategy, especially in light of new regulations. The company adopts strict practices to ensure a safe and transparent betting environment.
“Anti-money laundering prevention and responsible gaming are priorities. We strictly adhere to prudential limits for players, provide self-assessment tools, and offer support for those in need.”
The executive was also positively surprised by the level of regulatory requirements in Brazil.
“The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting has structured very solid rules, aligned with international standards. For example, platforms must be certified by an independent company, something that even the financial sector does not require.”
Technology and artificial intelligence in iGaming
The future of iGaming is closely linked to technological innovation, and Betsson is investing in it.
“Artificial intelligence will be crucial for monitoring atypical transactions, identifying risky behavioural patterns, and combating fraud. Brazil has a high fraud history, so AI will be an important ally.”
Partnerships and sponsorships in sports
Betsson also invests heavily in sports partnerships as a marketing and branding strategy. The company sponsors clubs such as Boca Juniors, Atlético Nacional, and Racing Club, as well as the first division of Chilean football. Although there are no concrete plans for similar sponsorships in Brazil, Catalan acknowledges the relevance of this type of investment.
“It enhances the quality of sports leagues and contributes to more competitive football.”
The future of Betsson and iGaming in the region
Looking ahead to the next five years, Betsson intends to expand its presence in Latin America.
“Our focus is on increasing the base of recurring customers and ensuring excellent service. This ensures the sector’s sustainability.”
The company adopts a decentralised model regarding global regulatory challenges, with compliance teams dedicated to each country where it operates.
“Each region has specific requirements, and Betsson ensures that all operations comply with local regulations, minimising potential risks.”
In this scenario, Betsson stands out for its rapid adaptation to regulatory requirements and its commitment to innovation and user experience. With a transparency- and responsibility-focused approach, the company aims to consolidate its regional presence, promoting a safer and more accessible betting environment for all players.
This article was first published in Portuguese on 12 March 2025.
