Ahead of SBC Summit Rio, we sat down with Marco Pequeno, Country Manager Brazil at Amusnet, a platinum headline sponsor of the event.
SBC: What elements of SBC Summit Rio work so well for your organization, and why is it important for you to be there this year?
Marco Pequeno: Participating in events focused on Brazil is a top priority for Amusnet, and SBC Summit Rio stands out as a key opportunity. Our participation at Brazilβs premier industry event as Platinum Headline Sponsor this year reflects our commitment to expanding in the local market while driving our broader regional growth strategy. A significant milestone in this journey is the recent certification of 160 of our games for the Brazilian market – an achievement that highlights our dedication to compliance, trust, and adherence to regulatory standards.
Whatβs your key objective at this yearβs event and what are the main products/services youβll be promoting?
MP: Our key objective at SBC Summit Rio 2025 is to deepen relationships with our clients, drive growth in sales, and strengthen Amusnetβs brand presence in Brazil. As a top-tier sponsor of the event, we aim to showcase our commitment to the Brazilian market and highlight our cutting-edge portfolio. The primary focus will be on our certified slots, featuring over 160 games already tailored to meet Brazilian regulatory standards, with more exciting titles on the way. We are thrilled to present player favorites such as ’20 Golden Coins’ and ‘Candy Palace’, alongside new releases like ‘Dancing Dead’ and ‘Vampire Bites’. Additionally, we are excited to introduce our Type S slot cabinet series making its debut in the Brazilian market. It integrates Amusnetβs multigame AmuseBox platform, showcasing top-performing titles such as ‘Extra Crown’ and our first celebrity slot ‘Stoichkov #8’, featuring the legendary football player Hristo Stoichkov.
What would you highlight as the biggest opportunity in the betting and gaming industry over the next couple of years?
MP: The biggest opportunity lies in ensuring products are properly certified and fostering strong, strategic partnerships with operators. As regulatory requirements become more strict, fewer providers will be able to meet certification standards, creating an advantage for those who can. Providers with the expertise and capacity to navigate these challenges will stand out, bridging this gap and gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive market.
What elements of your business do you feel are best placed to take advantage of that opportunity?
MP: Our business is perfectly positioned to seize this opportunity through localization. With an established company in Brazil managing local agreements, a dedicated team of professionals on the ground providing daily support, and a focus on creating games tailored specifically to the Brazilian market, we are deeply connected to the region. This approach helps us build stronger partnerships, meet market-specific needs, and secure our place in one of the worldβs most exciting gaming markets.
What areas of the business should we be looking to for innovation in the next 12 months?
MP: Over the next 12 months, our primary focus for innovation is game development. We are committed to launching new titles that resonate with Brazilβs culture while introducing advanced features to enhance engagement. Local players favor high-volatility games and seek distinctive mechanics, creating a strong demand for fresh and dynamic gameplay. This aligns perfectly with cascading slots like ‘Crazy Red’, one of our most anticipated releases. Featuring the increasingly popular ‘tumbling reels’Β mechanic, a vibrant theme, fun characters, and engaging special features, ‘Crazy Red’ is set to deliver an enriched entertainment experience. On the other hand, we are planning to introduce new Jackpot systems and promotional tools aimed at enhancing
player engagement and retention.
At the same time, we remain committed to compliance, ensuring our games meet all regulatory standards. By aligning innovation with regulatory excellence, we not only build trust but also foster long-term loyalty, driving sustained growth in the market.
Who have you especially enjoyed working with over the past year (partner/client) and why?
MP: We have built strong, meaningful relationships with the leading operators in Brazil, and it is impossible to single out just one or two. Each partner brings unique strengths and challenges, and we are proud to tailor our strategies to meet their individual needs.
On the collaboration side, I must highlight Irina Rusimova, Amusnet’s Chief Commercial Officer, and Georgi Izov, Head of Business Development LATAM, who have been committed advocates for our Brazilian expansion. Their dedication and
efforts to create the right conditions for success in this market have been nothing short of exceptional.
What are you hoping to learn from the conference at the SBC Summit Rio and which elements of the agenda will you be focusing on the most?
MP: Events like the SBC Summit Rio are always full of valuable insights. While the panels – such as the one Iβll be participating in, ‘Room for One More? Success in a Post-Gold Rush Market’ – provide great content, the real value often lies in the spontaneous conversations that happen throughout the event. These shows are fast-paced, and time is always shorter than we would like, but even a quick two-minute chat with the right person can provide significant takeaways. My focus will be on gathering knowledge from both formal sessions and informal interactions to better understand emerging trends and opportunities in the industry.