La Copa Mundial de 2026 promete ser un punto de inflexión para el mercado brasileño de apuestas deportivas, el primer gran test de estrés en un entorno totalmente regulado, con proyecciones que alcanzan los R$ 19 mil millones en movimiento en el país.

En este escenario, Stellar Gaming (EstrelaBet) se posiciona en el centro de esta transformación, donde la tecnología, la seguridad jurídica y la experiencia del usuario se convierten en pilares estratégicos de crecimiento.

En una entrevista exclusiva, Fellipe Fraga, CBO de Stellar Gaming, analiza cómo la madurez del mercado regulado, el avance del juego responsable, la evolución de la infraestructura tecnológica y la lucha contra el mercado ilegal van a moldear la “mejor Copa de todos los tiempos” para el entretenimiento digital en Brasil, y el legado que este evento dejará para la industria.

La Copa Mundial de 2026 es el primer gran ‘test de estrés’ del mercado brasileño totalmente regulado, con proyecciones de alrededor de R$ 19 mil millones en volumen de negocio en el país. ¿Cómo evalúa Stellar Gaming que la seguridad jurídica y la madurez operativa harán de este torneo la ‘mejor Copa de los últimos tiempos’ para el entretenimiento digital en Brasil?

Fellipe Fraga – En la Copa Mundial de 2022, todavía estábamos luchando por la regulación del mercado, lo que lamentablemente no ocurrió a tiempo.

Esta vez, tendremos la oportunidad de probar no solo a nivel tecnológico, sino también en términos de comportamiento del cliente, ya que veremos el impacto del mayor evento deportivo del mundo.

Además, en las operaciones reguladas, las herramientas de control previstas en la normativa específica garantizan una experiencia segura para el cliente y potencian el alcance del juego responsable.

Con esto, los próximos dos meses representan grandes expectativas para el sector.

En un evento masivo que atrae a millones de nuevos apostadores, las preocupaciones sobre el juego problemático cobran relevancia. EstrelaBet tiene una alianza pionera con la FUMEC. ¿Cómo funciona en la práctica la matriz predictiva de riesgos basada en inteligencia artificial para identificar patrones atípicos y garantizar que el Mundial sea un momento de ocio seguro, alejando a la marca del estigma del mercado ‘gris’ del pasado?

Una de las grandes ventajas del avance tecnológico es poder utilizarlo para mejorar la experiencia colectiva, y no es diferente cuando hablamos del juego responsable.

Al introducir mecanismos de machine learning con datos y conceptos de ciencia del comportamiento, podemos mejorar la predictibilidad del riesgo en comportamientos en los que el cliente muestra señales de alejarse del juego responsable.

Esto permite que la operación actúe para reducir estos riesgos, garantizando que el entretenimiento con apuestas sea únicamente lo que debe ser: diversión.

Sabemos que los usuarios brasileños son mobile-first y no toleran fricciones durante un partido importante. EstrelaBet ha mejorado recientemente el tiempo de carga en un 60% y reducido la latencia de las apuestas en vivo en un 80%. ¿Cómo se traduce esta infraestructura ‘Fórmula 1’, liderada por el equipo de tecnología, en confianza y retención del usuario en los momentos de mayor pico del torneo?

La principal dirección que debemos tomar es ponernos en el lugar del cliente y entender qué puede generar fricción en la experiencia. Un sitio inestable y lento no es bien recibido.

Por eso adoptamos una mentalidad que llamamos “EstrelaTech”, enfocada en el desarrollo tecnológico para mejorar la experiencia del cliente.

Esto genera automáticamente confianza en el rendimiento, la estabilidad y la calidad del servicio, lo que, junto con nuestros socios tecnológicos, permite ofrecer una plataforma donde el entretenimiento ocurre de forma más fluida.

El CEO de la marca, João Gerçossimo, trajo recientemente del SXSW el concepto de la ‘Economía de la Atención 3.0’, donde el sentido de pertenencia a la comunidad supera a las ofertas agresivas. ¿Cómo planea EstrelaBet aplicar esta filosofía durante el Mundial para fidelizar clientes sin depender únicamente de bonos de adquisición transaccionales?

El Mundial es una excelente oportunidad para acercar al cliente a la marca.

El 5 de junio lanzaremos una gran campaña que conecta al público y a la marca con el deseo nacional de conquistar el sexto título mundial.

Esta conexión va más allá del producto en sí y se centra en la relación entre el cliente y la empresa.

El trabajo de nuestro equipo de marketing ha sido excelente, incluyendo en la elección de socios de medios, que logran comunicarse con el público y transmitir los mensajes clave, no solo sobre entretenimiento, sino también sobre una mentalidad moderna en torno a la salud, la actividad física y la tecnología.

La integridad deportiva es un pilar de un mercado regulado sólido. Hoy, EstrelaBet utiliza sistemas de IA que alcanzan hasta un 90% de precisión en la detección de comportamientos sospechosos, como el abuso de múltiples cuentas. ¿Cómo se utilizará esta tecnología para proteger la plataforma contra fraudes durante la alta volatilidad del Mundial?

El producto de apuestas es, esencialmente, la incertidumbre del futuro, ya sea en un juego online o en un evento deportivo.

Cualquier situación que intente garantizar un resultado futuro vacía la esencia del producto.

Por lo tanto, defender la integridad deportiva es extremadamente importante para nosotros en sí misma, y combinada con nuestra pasión por el deporte como plataforma de entretenimiento, nos hace aún más comprometidos con su protección.

Con tecnología y alianzas, somos capaces de monitorear comportamientos sospechosos y rastrear intentos de fraude en tiempo real.

Aunque el Mundial tiene el peso de ser el mayor evento deportivo, con todas las miradas puestas en él y, en consecuencia, reduciendo el riesgo de comportamientos sospechosos en el campo, es fundamental garantizar que tampoco haya influencia negativa en las operaciones, permitiendo que no solo la IA sino también el diálogo con los socios funcione de la mejor manera posible.

Con la Copa del Mundo realizándose en las Américas (EE. UU., México y Canadá), la zona horaria es extremadamente favorable para los apostadores brasileños. Sumado al avance del 5G, ¿cuál es la expectativa de EstrelaBet sobre la explosión de las apuestas en vivo (in-play betting) y los micro-momentos durante los partidos de Brasil?

El mercado brasileño ya utiliza predominantemente el teléfono móvil. Los partidos que se jugarán, muchas veces fuera del horario laboral, permitirán potenciar el acto de sentarse a ver un partido.

Por lo tanto, la tendencia es un aumento significativo de la actividad durante la Copa del Mundo, donde el factor social —estar con amigos, ver el partido juntos y apostar— jugará un papel importante.

Tu, Fellipe Fraga, como CBO de la marca, ha sido vocal sobre el hecho de que restringir excesivamente las plataformas licenciadas solo empuja a los usuarios hacia el mercado ilegal. Durante un evento con la magnitud de la Copa del Mundo, ¿cómo pueden el sector regulado y el gobierno trabajar juntos para educar al público y evitar la fuga de ingresos hacia operadores no licenciados?

La Copa del Mundo es una enorme oportunidad para el sector público en sentido amplio, no solo el regulador, sino también el Gobierno Federal e incluso los legisladores, para unir fuerzas en favor del sector regulado.

Solo a través de operaciones adecuadas es posible tener datos, acceso a información de comportamiento y una recaudación fiscal correcta que permita el desarrollo del país, junto con la promoción adecuada de iniciativas de juego responsable.

Esperamos que esta conciencia ayude a combatir un mercado ilegal que, si no se enfrenta, solo beneficiará a actividades ilícitas.

Para el mercado, la Copa del Mundo de 2026 es considerada el “Super Bowl extendido”. Tras el pitido final el 19 de julio, ¿cuál será el principal legado de este torneo de US$ 35 mil millones para el mercado brasileño de apuestas deportivas, considerando los avances en gobernanza, tecnología y protección del usuario final?

El Mundial de 2026 permitirá una comprensión completa del comportamiento del cliente en el mercado de apuestas.
Tendremos datos, resultados e información recopilada de las distintas iniciativas y estrategias que adopte el mercado.

El aumento del volumen permitirá validar las tesis de juego responsable e integridad deportiva, así como garantizar que los usuarios traten las apuestas como entretenimiento adecuado durante los momentos de ocio mientras ven los partidos.

The World Cup 2026 promises to be a turning point for the Brazilian sports betting market, the first major stress test in a fully regulated environment, with projections reaching R$ 19 billion in turnover in the country.

In this scenario, Stellar Gaming (EstrelaBet) positions itself at the center of this transformation, where technology, legal security, and user experience become strategic pillars of growth.

In an exclusive interview, Fellipe Fraga, CBO of Stellar Gaming, analyzes how the maturity of the regulated market, the advancement of responsible gaming, the evolution of technological infrastructure, and the fight against the illegal market will shape the “best World Cup of all time” for digital entertainment in Brazil, and the legacy this event will leave for the industry.

The World Cup 2026 is the first major ‘stress test’ of the fully regulated Brazilian market, with projections of around R$ 19 billion in turnover in the country. How does Stellar Gaming assess that legal certainty and operational maturity will make this tournament the ‘best World Cup of recent times’ for digital entertainment in Brazil?

Fellipe Fraga – In the 2022 World Cup, we were still fighting for market regulation, which unfortunately did not happen in time.

This time, we will have the opportunity to test not only at the technology level, but also in terms of customer behavior, as we will see the impact of the biggest sporting event in the world.

In addition, in regulated operations, the control tools provided for in the specific regulations ensure a safe experience for the customer and enhance the reach of responsible gaming.

With this, the next two months represent great expectations for the sector.

In a mass event that attracts millions of new bettors, concerns about problem gambling come into focus. EstrelaBet has a pioneering partnership with FUMEC. How does the AI-based predictive risk matrix work in practice to identify atypical patterns and ensure that the World Cup is a safe leisure moment, distancing the brand from the stigma of the ‘gray’ market of the past?

One of the great advantages of technological advancement is being able to use it to improve the collective experience, and it is no different when we talk about responsible gaming.

By introducing machine learning mechanisms with data and behavioral science concepts, we can improve risk predictability in behaviors where the customer shows signs of moving away from responsible gaming.

This allows the operation to act to reduce these risks, ensuring that betting entertainment is only what it is meant to be: fun.

We know that Brazilian users are mobile-first and do not tolerate friction during an important match. EstrelaBet has recently improved loading time by 60% and reduced live betting latency by 80%. How does this “Formula 1” infrastructure, led by the technology team, translate into trust and user retention during tournament peak moments?

The main direction we must take is to put ourselves in the customer’s shoes and understand what can create friction in the experience. A site that is unstable and slow is not well received.

That is why we adopted a mindset we called “EstrelaTech”, focused on technological development to improve the customer experience.

This automatically generates confidence in performance, stability, and service quality, which, combined with our technology partners, enables the delivery of a platform where entertainment happens more smoothly.

The brand’s CEO, João Gerçossimo, recently brought from SXSW the concept of the “Attention Economy 3.0”, where community belonging surpasses aggressive offers. How does EstrelaBet plan to apply this philosophy during the World Cup to retain customers without relying solely on transactional acquisition bonuses?

The World Cup is an excellent opportunity to bring the customer closer to the brand.

On June 5th, we will launch a major campaign that connects the audience and the brand to the national desire to achieve the sixth world title.

This connection goes beyond the product itself and is about the relationship between the customer and the company.

Our marketing team’s work has been outstanding, including in the choice of media partners, who are able to communicate with the audience and deliver key messages, not only about entertainment but also about a modern mindset regarding health, physical activity, and technology.

Sports integrity is a cornerstone of a strong regulated market. Today, EstrelaBet uses AI systems that achieve up to 90% accuracy in detecting suspicious behavior, such as multi-account abuse. How will this technology be used to protect the platform against fraudsters during the high volatility of the World Cup?

The betting product is essentially about uncertainty about the future, whether in an online game or a sporting event.

Any situation that tries to guarantee a future outcome empties the essence of the product.

Therefore, defending sports integrity is extremely important to us in itself, and combined with our passion for sport as an entertainment platform, it makes us even more committed to protecting it.

With technology and partnerships, we are able to monitor suspicious behavior and track fraud attempts in real time.

Although the World Cup carries the weight of being the biggest sporting event, with all eyes on it and consequently reducing the risk of suspicious behavior on the field, it is essential to ensure that there is also no negative influence on operations, allowing not only AI but also dialogue with partners to work in the best possible way.

With the World Cup taking place in the Americas (USA, Mexico, and Canada), the time zone is extremely favorable for Brazilian bettors. Combined with the advancement of 5G, what is EstrelaBet’s expectatio for the explosion of in-play betting and micro-moments during Brazil’s matches?

The Brazilian market already predominantly uses mobile phones. Matches taking place, often outside working hours, will allow the act of sitting down and watching a game to be enhanced.

Therefore, the trend is for a significant increase in activity during the World Cup, where the social factor—being with friends, watching the game together, and betting—will play an important role.

You, Fellipe Fraga, as the brand’s CBO, have been vocal about the fact that overly restricting licensed platforms only pushes users toward the illegal market. During an event with the scale of the World Cup, how can the regulated sector and the government work together to educate the public and prevent revenue leakage to unlicensed operators

The World Cup is a huge opportunity for the public sector in a broad sense, not only the regulator, but also the Federal Government and even legislators, to join forces in favor of the regulated sector.

Only through proper operations is it possible to have data, access to behavioral insights, and proper tax collection that will enable the country’s development, along with the correct promotion of responsible gaming initiatives.

We hope this awareness helps to combat an illegal market that, if not addressed, will only benefit illicit activities.

For the market, the 2026 World Cup is considered the “extended Super Bowl.” After the final whistle on July 19, what will be the main legacy of this US$ 35 billion tournament for the Brazilian sports betting market, considering the advances achieved in governance, technology, and end-user protection?

The 2026 World Cup will allow a full understanding of customer behavior in the betting market.
We will have data, results, and information collected from the various initiatives and strategies the market adopts.

The increase in volume will allow the validation of responsible gaming and sports integrity theses, as well as ensuring that users treat betting as proper entertainment during leisure moments while watching matches.

Three-day conference will convene Venezuela’s gaming regulators, leading operators, banking partners, and international providers for the first time.

“The Venezuela Gaming Expo is a defining moment for Latin American gaming. For the first time, international operators, providers, and investors will have a structured venue to engage directly with the regulators and operators shaping one of the region’s largest underexplored markets.” — Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO, SCCG Management

SCCG Management, a leading advisory firm in the global gaming industry, today announced the inaugural Venezuela Gaming Expo, the first international gaming and iGaming conference to be held in Venezuela. Organized by SCCG LATAM, the three-day conference will take place at the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas from August 12 to 14, 2026.

The Expo brings together Venezuela’s gaming regulators, leading domestic operators, banking and payments partners, international providers, and investors for what will be the country’s first dedicated international gaming convening. Pre-registration is open now for operators, suppliers, banking and payments firms, investors, regulators, and media seeking early access to programming and direct introductions to the Venezuelan operating community.

Venezuela is one of Latin America’s largest gaming markets and one of the least understood by international operators. The country has a population of nearly 29 million, high mobile and internet penetration, and a functioning regulated industry. Three license-emitting bodies govern the market: the Comisión Nacional de Casinos, Salas de Bingo y Máquinas Traganíqueles (CNC), the Comisión Nacional de Lotería (CONALOT), and the Superintendencia Nacional de Actividades Hípicas (SUNAHIP). The Instituto Nacional de Hipódromos (INH) operates national horse racing and sports betting infrastructure under SUNAHIP’s regulatory umbrella. Thirty-two licensed online operators are currently active, with the top five generating over USD 150 million in gross gaming revenue annually. SCCG LATAM has published a detailed primer on the Venezuelan gaming market covering the country’s regulatory framework, market dynamics, and banking infrastructure.

In April 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License 57, authorizing U.S. financial institutions to provide a broad range of financial services to four named Venezuelan state banks. The licence marks the first time in years that payment infrastructure between U.S. and Venezuelan financial institutions has been on a clear legal footing, lowering one of the most cited structural barriers to international engagement with the Venezuelan gaming sector.

The Expo programme is built around three integrated pillars. A conference programme curated by operators for operators will cover market entry, regulatory navigation, payments and banking infrastructure, and cross-border distribution, with keynote speakers including Venezuelan government officials and industry leaders. A networking layer integrates hosted dinners and curated engagement with the Caracas gaming community. A dedicated business meetings room facilitates private introductions between operators, providers, banking partners, and investors. The format is designed for outcome over spectacle, with approximately 3,000 attendees and 60 exhibitor tables.

The Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas sits in Chuao, near the city’s financial district, with full conference facilities and on-site accommodations that allow the programme, networking, and business meetings to flow within a single venue.

“The Venezuela Gaming Expo is a defining moment for Latin American gaming,” said Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management. “For the first time, international operators, providers, and investors will have a structured venue to engage directly with the regulators and operators shaping one of the region’s largest underexplored markets. With the recent opening of U.S. banking channels through General License 57, the timing is right to convene the global industry in Caracas and translate market interest into commercial activity. SCCG LATAM is built to deliver that bridge.”

The Expo is part of SCCG LATAM’s broader regional strategy following the launch of its dedicated Latin American division and Miami office earlier this year. SCCG works directly with Venezuela’s three license-emitting bodies and with established Venezuelan operators, positioning international participants for compliant market entry and partnership.

Pre-registration, sponsorship inquiries, and exhibitor inquiries can be submitted at sccgmanagement.com/sccg-articles/2026/05/10/venezuela-gaming-expo-2026-save-the-date. A SCCG LATAM team member will follow up within 48 hours of each submission.