(AsiaGameHub) - In preparation for SiGMA South America 2026, Steven Valentine, the Chief Commercial Officer of Comtrade Gaming, discussed the firm's expansion into Brazil and its advancements in artificial intelligence with Focus Gaming News.
Exclusive interview.- With Brazil's regulated igaming market transitioning from potential to reality, the emphasis throughout Latin America is quickly moving toward operational performance, regulatory compliance, and enduring sustainability. Against this backdrop, Comtrade Gaming is establishing itself as more than just a new entrant, with the goal of assisting operators in managing the intricacies of an active regulatory system.
During SiGMA South America 2026, Focus Gaming News interviewed Steven Valentine, chief commercial officer, regarding the practical challenges of Brazil's new regulatory system, the expanding significance of AI in managing players, and the ways multi-platform approaches are transforming the competitive landscape in the region.
SiGMA South America 2026 occurs at a pivotal time for regulated market growth in Latin America. What are Comtrade Gaming’s primary goals for this year's event, and how would you describe the evolution of your role in the Brazilian market since regulations were implemented?
SiGMA South America is happening at a critical juncture as Brazil's market has moved from a theoretical opportunity to practical implementation.
At Comtrade Gaming, our priority is on expansion — we are already operational, certified, and providing support to operators within the regulated framework. The discussion now centers on efficiency, adherence to rules, and sustained reliability.
Our role has logically progressed from initial market penetration to aiding operators in refining their operations and expanding within a fully regulated environment.
“SiGMA South America comes at a key moment where Brazil has shifted from opportunity to execution.”
Steven Valentine, chief commercial officer at Comtrade Gaming.
Following the achievement of GLI certification and the integration of Brazilian clients, what are the most significant operational or technical difficulties operators are currently encountering, and how does your platform assist them in managing this new regulatory framework?
The primary difficulty is not achieving certification, but rather functioning daily within a dynamic and changing regulatory structure.
Operators are managing obligations for real-time reporting, local system integrations, and ensuring consistent performance as regulatory demands keep evolving.
Our platform is built to manage this complexity. We employ a modular approach that enables operators to adjust swiftly, and we act as a collaborative partner in understanding regulation, not merely as a technology supplier.
Your company has made significant investments in AI-powered tools for analyzing player behavior and making predictions. How are these solutions advancing in 2026, and what concrete benefits are they delivering for player lifetime value and operator efficiency?
AI is now fundamental to how operators manage the balance between expansion and oversight.
Our current emphasis is on predictive tools that work in real-time — assessing a player's value, risk of leaving, and behavioral trends while they are still engaged.
The outcomes are measurable: enhanced player lifetime value, more effective bonus allocation, improved profit management, and more robust tools for promoting responsible gambling.
Brazil's licensing model, which allows for multiple brands, has fostered intense competition. What is your outlook on the multi-platform trend for 2026, and what qualities make Comtrade Gaming a durable partner instead of a temporary fix?
Brazil's multi-brand framework is fostering a market that is both more competitive and advanced.
Operators are more frequently turning to multi-platform tactics to distinguish their offerings and maintain adaptability.
Comtrade Gaming's function is to provide that adaptability — facilitating integration, growth capacity, and ongoing development. This is what establishes us as a strategic ally, not a temporary provider.
“Operators are increasingly adopting multi-platform strategies to differentiate and stay flexible.”
Steven Valentine, chief commercial officer at Comtrade Gaming.
You have repeatedly stressed the value of having a local presence, such as assembling a technical team that speaks Portuguese. How has this commitment to localizing your operations resulted in a stronger market position and improved client loyalty in the region?
I consider it an essential requirement rather than a simple advantage; forming substantial partnerships is not feasible without a team that can communicate in the local language.
Looking forward to the coming 12–18 months, what key achievements, be they in partnerships, product development, or regional growth, will characterize Comtrade Gaming’s subsequent growth stage in the Americas?
In the next 12–18 months, our attention is on effective implementation and manageable growth.
This involves enlarging our presence in Brazil, maintaining our investment in AI and product development, and pursuing careful expansion in other Latin American markets as their regulatory landscapes mature.
The goal is straightforward: to cement our status as a reliable, long-term partner within regulated markets.
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