Last week, 1xBet showcased its presence at the SBC Summit Rio 2026, which took place in Rio de Janeiro from March 3 to 5. The company featured one of the largest booths among bookmakers and took the opportunity to unveil its latest research project.
Recently, 1xBet published the 'International Player Safety Index: Latin America', a collaborative report with SBC Media. This document explores the implementation of responsible gaming practices across significant markets in the region and identifies ongoing challenges.
During the event, Yogonet had an exclusive conversation with Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor at 1xBet. They discussed the report's insights and the evolution of the Latin American gaming market. Westbury emphasized the region's gradual transition from predominantly gray markets to more regulated betting environments. He also highlighted Brazil's increasing significance, the importance of player protection technologies, and the regulatory lessons that emerging markets can learn from global experiences.
When asked about the company’s focus markets, Westbury stated that 1xBet does not prioritize a single country but rather aims to enter more regulated markets. Currently, the company holds over 35 local licenses and is committed to engaging with the industry to lead in regulated jurisdictions. Their expansion strategy is built on three main pillars: a top-tier product, digital marketing and customer acquisition, and strategic sponsorships.
Regarding Brazil and the broader Latin American market, Westbury noted that 1xBet launched its brand 'Defy' in Brazil last October after securing a license in July. The name reflects the competitive nature of the market, and the company is focused on adapting its offerings to attract local players.
Another significant aspect of their strategy is player protection. This month, 1xBet introduced the Player Safety Index: Latin America, following a similar report for Western Europe. The findings reveal that Latin America is moving away from gray markets and is at the forefront of technology use for player protection. The report indicates that 69% of surveyed operators utilize real-time player monitoring, while 34% have incorporated AI into their player protection systems.
However, challenges remain. In certain markets, player protection measures are not fully integrated into regulations. While Brazil and Argentina have included these measures, countries like Chile have yet to incorporate them into their regulatory frameworks.
Westbury pointed out that education is a critical issue, noting that approximately 50% of operators believe many players in Latin America view gambling as a means to earn income rather than a form of entertainment. Additionally, only 19% of operators conduct affordability checks or source-of-funds verification, which is partly due to the region's cash-driven economy.
Lastly, while regulation is evolving, Westbury cautioned against overly punitive tax regimes, citing concerns in Mexico as an example.