SCCG Management CEO and founder Stephen Crystal recently attended BiS SiGMA Americas 2025. One of the leading names in the global iGaming industry, he gave a talk entitled “Best responsible gaming practices around the world and their application in the Brazilian market” last Wednesday (9).
This presentation focused on the critical importance of responsible gaming to protect players and the integrity of the gaming industry, especially as the Brazilian market undergoes significant expansion. Crystal shared valuable insights during her presentation in São Paulo (SP).
Understanding Responsible Gaming
According to him, responsible gaming encompasses policies and practices that aim to prevent and mitigate potential harms associated with gambling. It requires a collaborative effort between players, operators and regulators to promote a culture of safety and awareness.
Therefore, effective responsible gaming measures must be seamlessly integrated into the user experience, ensuring accessibility and ease of use.
Brazil’s regulatory landscape
The Prize and Betting Secretariat (SPA) has been proactive in establishing a unified national system for the regulation of sports betting and online gaming.
The enactment of Ordinance No. 1,231 sets out comprehensive guidelines for responsible gaming, emphasizing the prevention of gambling-related harm and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The ordinance includes measures such as blocking social welfare beneficiaries via CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) to prevent the misuse of public resources in gambling activities. This approach could serve as a global model if implemented with transparency and fairness.
Lessons from mature markets
Furthermore, Stephen Crystal highlighted some lessons from already established markets, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, which can help Brazil in this period of adaptation.
UK
The success of initiatives such as Gamstop highlights the importance of visibility and affordability in self-exclusion programs. However, strict affordability checks have faced criticism; Brazil could benefit from adopting dynamic, behavior-based triggers rather than static, income-based rules.
Furthermore, authentic responsible gaming messages delivered by popular sports figures have been shown to be more effective than generic slogans.
United States
Collaborative efforts like the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) demonstrate that even competitors can come together for the common good. Technological advances, including AI-powered risk behavior detection, have enabled real-time interventions, overcoming traditional static boundaries.
Some American carriers have integrated RG into loyalty programs, transforming risk management into a tool for customer retention.
Opportunities for Innovation in Brazil
According to the CEO of SCCG, Brazil is at a crucial moment to lead the game responsible for:
Localizing responsible gaming efforts:
Using culturally resonant channels, such as football heroes and WhatsApp, to disseminate awareness messages can increase relatability and impact.
Implementation of advanced exclusion systems
Developing a national app-based opt-out system that combines CPF and biometric data can minimize gaps and ensure robust protection.
Establishing a Responsible Gaming Technology Lab
Creating a collaborative environment where operators, regulators and startups develop safe gaming technologies together can drive innovation and effectiveness.
By adopting these strategies, Stephen Crystal believes that Brazil has the opportunity to establish itself as a global reference in responsible online gaming, characterized by innovation, inclusion and integrity.
