Weekend Report: Big Brazil Opens New São Paulo Headquarters and Indonesia Prohibits DuckDuckGo

Caesars’ Big Brazil Plans São Paulo Headquarters

Caesars Sportsbook partner Big Brazil is set to establish a new headquarters in São Paulo, with an investment of BRL 10 million (£1.4 million/€1.6 million/$1.7 million). According to Games Magazine Brasil, the new office will be located in Americana and is expected to generate 210 jobs and an annual revenue of BRL 25 million.

Big Brazil is one of seven contenders for a federal sports betting license in Brazil, with the legal market expected to launch on January 1, 2025. Alongside Big Brazil, KTO has also applied for a license, marking significant interest in the expanding Brazilian betting market.

Indonesia Bans DuckDuckGo Due to Gambling Concerns

Indonesia has banned the search engine DuckDuckGo over concerns that it provides access to illegal gambling sites. Usman Kansong, a communications ministry official, cited issues with “rampant online gambling and pornography content” in a statement to Reuters. DuckDuckGo is known for emphasizing user privacy.

With the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has been working with telecommunications providers since July 2023 to block access to gambling websites. The country enforces strict anti-gambling laws, with offenders facing up to four years in prison.

KTO Applies for Brazilian Betting License

KTO has submitted its application for a sports betting license in Brazil through Apollo Operations Ltda, becoming the seventh operator to do so. KTO Group CEO Andreas Bardun confirmed that the license will exclusively cover the KTO brand.

In August of last year, KTO joined the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), which had announced its expansion into Brazil to monitor sports integrity earlier that year.

Former ANJL President to Appear Before Brazil’s CPI

Wesley Cardia, former president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), is scheduled to appear before Brazil’s parliamentary inquiry commission (CPI) on sports betting this week. The CPI is investigating an alleged bribe offered to the ANJL.

According to Veja magazine, CPI rapporteur Felipe Carreras requested Cardia’s testimony. Former Ministry of Finance special advisor José Francisco Manssur previously testified that Cardia accused Carreras of offering a BRL 35 million bribe to the ANJL to ease pressure on betting houses. However, Manssur stated that Cardia did not provide evidence to support his claims.

The Federal Supreme Court has ruled that Cardia may remain silent during the August 7 CPI hearing if answering questions could incriminate him.

Las Vegas Casino Attack Injures Three

An attack at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 3, resulted in three people being injured. According to the Las Vegas Sun, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Two individuals were stabbed, and one was shot, leaving two victims in critical condition.

The police have not disclosed any arrests or details about the cause of the attack but confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.