New leadership aims to enhance regulatory alignment and strategic growth across Brazil’s evolving betting landscape
Esportes Gaming Brasil has confirmed the appointment of Hugo Baungartner as its new Executive Director of Institutional Relations and Strategic Partnerships, reinforcing the company’s commitment to regulatory engagement and long-term expansion within Brazil’s maturing iGaming market.
Baungartner, a seasoned executive with more than 28 years of experience across the technology and gaming industries, previously held senior positions at Grupo Aposta Ganha, RCT Gaming, and Prohards. He now steps into a pivotal role that will see him lead government and regulatory liaison efforts, business development initiatives, and the evaluation of strategic mergers and acquisitions.
In his new capacity, Baungartner will oversee relations with key regulatory institutions including the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF), the Federal Revenue Service, the Central Bank, and COAF, alongside certification bodies and approved testing laboratories. His focus will be on ensuring Esportes Gaming Brasil maintains full compliance while becoming a model for governance, innovation, and operational excellence.
Darwin Filho, CEO of Esportes Gaming Brasil, welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Hugo’s arrival strengthens our ability to act strategically in a constantly evolving sector. He brings an experienced, technical perspective aligned with the principles of governance and innovation that guide our group’s companies.”
Commenting on his appointment, Baungartner added:
“Brazil is going through a crucial moment in regulating the sector, and being at the forefront of this movement with such a relevant group is a challenge that truly motivates me. Our goal is to ensure our operations not only meet legal requirements but also serve as a benchmark for best practices, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
His leadership comes at a transformative time for Brazil’s gaming sector, which is seeing increased regulatory clarity and the legalisation of betting on esports titles such as Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Fortnite. This strategic expansion aligns with global market movements, as evidenced by Bragg Gaming Group’s recent content launch in Brazil, featuring titles like Egyptian Magic and Crazy Diamonds.
Baungartner’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to futureproof Esportes Gaming Brasil amid rapid regulatory and technological developments in the Latin American iGaming ecosystem.