BetConstruct AI: Brazil chaos will create scars across industry

Shortly after his appointment as VP of Latin America at BetConstruct AI, Fabio Tiberia sat down with SBC News to discuss all the latest ongoings from one of iGaming’s most important and dynamic regions. Tiberia discusses the fallout from President Lula’s decision to ban online gambling in Brazil and how companies should react to the news. He also touches on why localisation in expertise, content and compliance is key for success across LatAm, and how BetConstruct AI is applying that theory into practice. How does BetConstruct AI’s platform balance being flexible enough to scale across the different regulatory requirements in LatAm without requiring a complete rebuild in each market? Our biggest strength is modularity. We keep the same strong technological core and adapt the elements that really matter in each jurisdiction: KYC, payments, compliance, reporting, risk management and content. This allows us to enter different regulated markets without rebuilding the platform from zero. Which markets do you see the most interest in across LatAm in 2026 and what is driving commercial success in those markets? We see strong opportunities across Mexico, Argentina and Peru, Venezuela. Essentially we are expanding at 360 decrees while Brazil remains strategically important despite the current uncertainty. Today, commercial success comes from deep market knowledge and local expertise. You need to understand the player, the operator, the culture and the real dynamics of each country. Technology is important, but knowing how to apply it to each market is what creates value. How does BetConstruct AI help operators to cater to the diverse demands of LatAm players both on sportsbook and casino platforms? LatAm is not one market, so we use technology and AI to understand different player behaviours and react more intelligently. AI can support personalisation, real-time player analysis, risk management and responsible gaming, while products such as Betting Mate, Lucky Boost, Power Bank and Sport Reel create a more dynamic experience across sportsbook and casino. The objective is simple: better engagement, better retention and sustainable GGR. How do the casino and sports product mixes differ in LatAm compared to Europe? Europe is generally a more mature market, while in LatAm sportsbook still plays a very strong role in player acquisition, especially because of football. However, I believe that in some markets, including Brazil, the next phase may bring a stronger return to retail and physical distribution. Historia magistra vitae — history is the teacher of life. When regulation becomes more restrictive, uncertain or complex, markets often move toward models that are easier to supervise, control and integrate within established physical networks. Brazil already has a very strong retail culture, with an extensive network of physical points of sale and a population accustomed to using them for financial services, lotteries and other everyday transactions. For this reason, retail should not be seen as the past. In some markets, it may become part of the next evolution of gaming. The future will probably not be exclusively online or exclusively physical. The strongest model may be one where technology and physical distribution work together. How important is it for BetConstruct AI to have a physical presence in LatAm as well as local account management? It is fundamental. Technology can be global, but market knowledge and relationships are local. Having people on the ground allows us to understand operators better, react faster and build stronger relationships. Local account management also means better communication, faster decisions and stronger long-term partnerships. Questions about Brazil depending on what happens over the weekend with President Lula? Brazil is currently facing a major period of uncertainty following Provisional Measure No. 1,394 of 25 September 2026, which prohibits the exploitation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting, including both physical and online operations. The measure is already in force and provides for the extinction of existing authorisations after a 30-day transition period. Over the coming months, the Provisional Measure may still be rejected, expire or be substantially changed during the legislative process. So it is possible that the regulated market could return, but today that outcome cannot be considered certain. Even if the market comes back, the scar will remain. Operators, suppliers and investors have seen how quickly the regulatory framework can change, and that creates uncertainty around long-term investment and planning. In my view, this could also accelerate interest in a more physical and retail-oriented market, where distribution and local presence may become increasingly strategic. For BetConstruct AI, the position is clear: compliance, adaptability and protection of our partners come first. How do you expect to see the different Latin American markets evolve in 2027 and do you still think that LatAm is one of the industry’s biggest growth regions? I expect more regulation, deeper localisation, more AI and greater consolidation. Operators will increasingly look for partners that combine technology with real market expertise, rather than simply offering more products. LatAm continues to have major growth potential, but the next phase will be about smarter growth: understanding each market, using data and AI more effectively, and generating sustainable GGR.