BetConstruct AI's Fabio Tiberia says Brazil's betting ban will leave lasting scars on LatAm industry

Fabio Tiberia, recently appointed VP of Latin America at BetConstruct AI, has told SBC News that the situation in Brazil will leave a lasting mark on the region's gambling industry, whatever happens next.

Tiberia pointed to Provisional Measure No. 1,394 of 25 September 2026, which prohibits the exploitation, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting, covering both physical and online operations. The measure is already in force and provides for existing authorisations to be extinguished after a 30-day transition period. He noted that it could still be rejected, expire or be substantially changed during the legislative process, so a return of the regulated market is possible but cannot be treated as certain. Even in that case, he said, operators, suppliers and investors have seen how quickly a regulatory framework can shift, which undermines long-term investment and planning.

Tiberia also suggested the upheaval could increase interest in retail and physical distribution. He argued that when regulation becomes more restrictive or complex, markets tend to move towards models that are easier to supervise and integrate with established physical networks. Brazil, he said, already has an extensive network of points of sale used for financial services and lotteries. In his view the future is unlikely to be purely online or purely physical, and the strongest model may combine technology with physical distribution.

On the wider region, Tiberia said BetConstruct AI sees strong opportunities in Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Venezuela, while Brazil remains strategically important despite current uncertainty. He described commercial success as dependent on local expertise and an understanding of players, operators and culture in each country. Sportsbook, he added, continues to play a major role in player acquisition in LatAm, particularly because of football.

On the technology side, he described the company's platform as modular, with a common core and adaptable elements such as KYC, payments, compliance, reporting, risk management and content, allowing entry into regulated markets without a rebuild. He said AI can support personalisation, real-time player analysis, risk management and responsible gaming.

Looking to 2027, Tiberia expects more regulation, deeper localisation, greater use of AI and further consolidation. He still sees major growth potential in Latin America, but expects the next phase to focus on sustainable GGR and a better understanding of individual markets.