Interview with Focus Gaming News and Steven Valentine
Steven Valentine, Comtrade Gaming: “Brazil’s multi-brand structure is creating a more competitive and sophisticated market”
Ahead of SiGMA South America 2026, Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer at Comtrade Gaming, spoke to Focus Gaming News about the company’s Brazilian expansion and AI innovations.
Exclusive interview.- As Brazil’s regulated igaming market moves from promise to execution, the focus across Latin America is rapidly shifting towards performance, compliance, and long-term sustainability. In this context, Comtrade Gaming is positioning itself beyond market entry, aiming to support operators through the complexities of a live regulatory environment.
At SiGMA South America 2026, Focus Gaming News spoke with Steven Valentine, chief commercial officer, about the operational realities of Brazil’s new framework, the growing role of AI in player management, and how multi-platform strategies are reshaping competition in the region.
SiGMA South America 2026 comes at a crucial moment for regulated growth in Latin America. What are Comtrade Gaming’s main objectives for this year’s event, and how do you see your position evolving in the Brazilian market since regulation came into force?
SiGMA South America comes at a key moment where Brazil has shifted from opportunity to execution.
For us at Comtrade Gaming, the focus is on scaling — we’re already live, certified, and supporting operators in a regulated environment. Now the conversation is about performance, compliance, and long-term stability.
Our position has naturally evolved from market entry to helping operators optimise and grow in a fully regulated market.
“SiGMA South America comes at a key moment where Brazil has shifted from opportunity to execution.”
Steven Valentine, chief commercial officer at Comtrade Gaming.
After securing GLI certification and onboarding Brazilian clients, what have been the biggest operational or technological challenges operators are currently facing, and how is your platform helping them navigate this new regulatory landscape?
The biggest challenge isn’t getting certified — it’s operating day-to-day within a live and evolving regulatory framework.
Operators are dealing with real-time reporting, local integrations, and maintaining stability while requirements continue to develop.
Our platform is designed to absorb that complexity. We take a modular approach that allows operators to adapt quickly, and we support them as a partner navigating regulation, not just a technology provider.
You have invested heavily in AI-driven player behaviour and predictive tools. How are these solutions evolving in 2026, and what tangible impact are you seeing on player lifetime value and operator performance?
AI has become central to how operators balance growth with control.
We’re now focused on real-time predictive tools — identifying player value, churn risk, and behavioural patterns while the player is still active.
The results are tangible: improved player lifetime value, more efficient bonusing, and better margin management, alongside stronger support for responsible gaming.
Brazil’s multi-brand licensing structure has created a highly competitive environment. How do you see the multi-platform trend developing in 2026, and what makes Comtrade Gaming a long-term partner rather than a transitional solution?
Brazil’s multi-brand structure is creating a more competitive and sophisticated market.
Operators are increasingly adopting multi-platform strategies to differentiate and stay flexible.
Our role at Comtrade Gaming is to enable that flexibility — supporting integration, scalability, and long-term evolution. That’s what positions us as a strategic partner rather than a short-term solution.
“Operators are increasingly adopting multi-platform strategies to differentiate and stay flexible.”
Steven Valentine, chief commercial officer at Comtrade Gaming.
You have consistently emphasised the importance of local presence, including building a Portuguese-speaking technical team. How has this local investment translated into competitive advantage and client retention in the region?
I would see it as a must-have rather than an advantage; you can’t expect to build any meaningful partnerships if you don’t have a team that speaks their language.
Looking ahead to the next 12–18 months, what milestones, whether in partnerships, product innovation, or geographic expansion, will define Comtrade Gaming’s next phase of growth in the Americas?
Over the next 12–18 months, our focus is on execution and sustainable growth.
That means scaling our footprint in Brazil, continuing to invest in AI and product innovation, and expanding selectively across Latin America as regulation develops.
The objective is clear: to strengthen our position as a long-term partner in regulated markets.
Interview published by Focus Gaming News.