Andre Gelfi
André Gelfi is a central figure in Brazil’s iGaming landscape, steering the industry from two influential positions. He serves as the Managing Partner of Betsson Group in Brazil while also leading the charge for industry-wide standards as the CEO of the Instituto Brasileiro de Jogo Responsável (IBJR).
Bio
Dual Roles in Brazil’s iGaming Sector
As Managing Partner for Betsson, Gelfi is responsible for the Swedish giant’s operations, government affairs, and commercial development in Brazil. His journey with the company began in 2019 when Betsson acquired Suaposta, Brazil’s first licensed betting business, a venture Gelfi was instrumental in leading. This gave him on-the-ground experience in navigating the complexities of the local market long before the current regulatory push.
In his parallel role as CEO of the IBJR, Gelfi champions the cause of regulation and responsibility. He is a founding member of the institute, which represents major international operators like Betsson, Bet365, and Entain. Together, these companies comprise roughly 75% of the Brazilian market.
His leadership at the IBJR focuses on collaborating with government bodies to formalize Brazil’s betting framework and combat the pervasive illegal market.
Industry Influence and Regulatory Advocacy
Gelfi’s vision is focused on building a secure and sustainable betting ecosystem in Brazil. He has been a vocal leader in quantifying the scale of the challenge, publicly stating that illegal operators still control about 60% of the market.
He argues that formal regulation is the only way to ensure player protection, channel revenue appropriately, and create a stable environment for licensed operators.
Under his guidance, the IBJR works closely with the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the Federal Revenue Service, and Brazil’s Central Bank. He actively participates in shaping the regulatory agenda, from advertising standards to the implementation of innovative compliance measures like mandatory facial recognition for players.
Career Path and Professional Approach
With over 20 years in the sector, Gelfi’s background combines an entrepreneurial drive with deep expertise in general management and corporate affairs. His entry into iGaming was timely, aligning with Brazil’s initial approval of its sports betting law around 2018. Before focusing on the Brazilian market, his career included experience with Spanish banks and international gaming events.
Colleagues and industry peers recognize him for his hands-on, collaborative approach. He successfully balances the commercial goals of a major operator with a broader mission to advocate for a healthy, competitive, and responsible industry for all stakeholders.