Brazil regulator deputy secretary appointed to IAGR board of trustees

By jili tutorial · September 22, 2026

Brazil’s Regulatory Architect Joins Global Gaming Board: A Comprehensive Guide to the Appointment’s Implications

Introduction

In a move that signals the growing importance of South American perspectives in global gaming oversight, Brazil’s top betting regulator has been elected to the board of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). Fabio Macorin, deputy secretary of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) within Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, now joins a select group of international leaders shaping the future of gambling regulation across jurisdictions.

This guide goes beyond the announcement to explain who Macorin is, what the IAGR does, why Brazil’s regulatory journey matters, and what this appointment means for regulators, operators, and consumers worldwide. All original facts from the announcement remain accurate; we add context, examples, and analysis to help you understand the bigger picture.

Understanding the IAGR and Its Role in Global Gaming Regulation

What Is the IAGR?

The International Association of Gaming Regulators is a non-profit membership organisation that brings together government regulators from around the world. Founded in 1995, the IAGR provides a platform for exchanging best practices, discussing emerging challenges, and fostering cooperation among jurisdictions that oversee gambling and betting activities.

Key functions of the IAGR include:

Hosting annual conferences and workshops where regulators share experiences.
Publishing guidelines and white papers on topics such as anti-money laundering (AML), consumer protection, and emerging technologies.
Maintaining a board of trustees that steers the association’s strategic direction.

Why a South American Perspective Matters

Historically, the IAGR board has been dominated by representatives from Europe, North America, and Australia – regions with mature gaming markets. South America, by contrast, has long been a patchwork of prohibitions, grey markets, and scattered licensing regimes. Brazil’s entry into regulated betting in 2025 marks a turning point. As IAGR President Ben Haden noted, “Fabio’s appointment brings an important South American perspective at a time when regulators worldwide are facing similar transnational challenges.”

This perspective is critical because:

Transnational crime (money laundering, match-fixing) does not respect borders.
Emerging markets in South America face unique challenges: informal economies, weak enforcement capacity, and rapid digital adoption.
Cross-jurisdictional learning benefits everyone – what works in Brazil may inform reforms in Argentina, Colombia, or even Europe.

The Significance of Brazil’s Betting Regulation

A Rapid Transformation

Brazil’s regulated betting market formally launched in 2025, making it one of the most closely watched regulatory initiatives globally. The process was ambitious: from legalisation to full implementation in under three years. Brazil’s approach is a case study in how a large, complex nation can move from a largely unregulated environment to a structured framework that emphasises integrity, consumer protection, and enforcement.

The regulatory architecture is managed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), a unit within the Ministry of Finance. The SPA oversees licensing, monitoring, and enforcement for all betting operators – both online and land-based (where permitted).

Key Components of Brazil’s Framework

Licensing and Authorisation: Operators must apply for a federal licence, subject to rigorous background checks and financial stability requirements.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Controls: Robust reporting obligations, customer due diligence, and real-time transaction monitoring.
Illegal Market Combat: Active enforcement against unlicensed operators, including cooperation with payment processors, internet service providers, and law enforcement.
Financial Monitoring: Use of data-driven tools to track suspicious activity, enhance audit trails, and share intelligence with financial institutions.
Inter-Agency Cooperation: The SPA works with the Federal Police, Central Bank, tax authorities, and private-sector stakeholders (banks, telecoms, betting companies).

Macorin has been at the heart of this transformation, drawing on his 17-year career in Brazil’s Federal Police.

Profile of Fabio Macorin: From Police Investigator to Global Regulator

17 Years of Combating Fraud

Before joining the Ministry of Finance in 2024, Fabio Macorin served as a federal police officer for 17 years. For a decade of that service, he specialised in the investigation and prevention of banking and financial fraud – specifically focusing on complex schemes involving money laundering, embezzlement, and cross-border financial crimes.

This law enforcement background deeply informs his regulatory approach. In betting regulation, the same skills apply: tracing illicit funds, identifying suspicious patterns, and coordinating with multiple agencies to dismantle illegal networks.

Role at the SPA

At the SPA, Macorin has held two key positions:

Deputy Secretary of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting – overseeing the overall regulatory strategy.
Undersecretary for Monitoring and Enforcement – directly responsible for compliance oversight, enforcement actions, and illegal market suppression.

His specific achievements include:

Developing data-driven oversight tools that analyse betting transactions in real time.
Strengthening cooperation with Brazil’s financial intelligence unit (COAF) to flag high-risk operators.
Leading multi-stakeholder task forces that have shut down dozens of illegal betting websites.

Why His Appointment Matters for IAGR

IAGR Vice President Brian Krolicki praised Macorin’s “powerful combination of expertise in law enforcement, financial crime prevention and regulation.” This blend is rare. Most regulators come from legal, administrative, or commercial backgrounds. Macorin brings an operational, investigative perspective that is invaluable when tackling the illegal market – arguably the single biggest challenge facing gaming regulators today.

Key Challenges in Global Betting Regulation – And How Brazil’s Experience Offers Lessons

Combatting the Illegal Market

Illegal operators continue to thrive, especially in regions where legal frameworks are new or weak. They evade taxes, offer no consumer protections, and often launder money. Brazil’s approach – combining strict licensing with aggressive enforcement – provides a model. Macorin has been directly involved in coordinating with telecommunications providers to block illegal sites, and with payment gateways to cut off financial flows.

Example: In 2025, the SPA worked with the Federal Police to take down a ring of unlicensed betting operators that had processed over R$2 billion in illegal transactions. The operation used data-sharing agreements with banks to trace the money.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF)

Betting is a high-risk sector for AML because of its volume, speed, and cross-border nature. Brazil’s framework requires operators to implement transaction monitoring systems, report suspicious activity within 24 hours, and verify customer identities using government databases. Macorin’s police background ensures these controls are practical, not just theoretical.

Consumer Protection and Betting Integrity

Regulators must balance consumer freedom with protection from harm. Brazil’s rules include mandatory self-exclusion schemes, deposit limits, and disclosure of odds. Integrity monitoring – to prevent match-fixing – is another priority. Macorin has advocated for real-time data sharing with sports bodies and betting integrity organisations.

Cross-Jurisdictional Cooperation

No regulator can solve these challenges alone. Macorin stressed this in his comments: “Although each jurisdiction has its own legal system, many of the challenges we face are increasingly global. Combatting the illegal market, preventing money laundering, protecting consumers and ensuring betting integrity require ever-greater cooperation among regulators from different countries.”

The Path Ahead: IAGR Annual Conference 2025

Conference Theme and Focus

Macorin will attend the IAGR Annual Conference in Lima, Peru (19–22 October 2025) . The theme is “Steady Hands, Changing Ground: Advancing Regulation in a Connected World.” This reflects the tensions regulators face: maintaining stability and integrity while adapting to rapid technological and market shifts.

Key session topics include:

Strengthening cross-jurisdictional cooperation – mechanisms for sharing intelligence and harmonising standards.
Regulating emerging technologies – AI, blockchain, and esports betting.
Enforcement in a digital age – how to keep pace with unlicensed operators using anonymised payment methods.
Consumer protection frameworks – responsible gambling tools that work across borders.

Macorin’s Role at the Conference

As a new board member, Macorin will participate in working groups and panel discussions, offering Brazil’s practical experience. His presence underscores the IAGR’s commitment to including voices from high-growth, non-European markets.

Conclusion

Fabio Macorin’s election to the IAGR board of trustees is more than a personal honour – it reflects how global gaming regulation is evolving. Brazil’s rapid and robust regulatory transformation provides a blueprint for other nations. Macorin’s unique blend of law enforcement expertise and regulatory leadership ensures that the IAGR gains a powerful advocate for practical, data-driven, and cooperative oversight.

For stakeholders – operators, policymakers, investors, and consumer advocates – this appointment signals that South America is no longer a passive observer in global gaming governance. It is an active, influential participant, shaping the rules that will define the industry for years to come.