25 PEOPLE TO WATCH 2025
Betting on Brazil
Regis Dudena
Secretary , Brazil Secretariat of Prizes and Bets
B
razil ’ s betting market is on the brink of a new era , and few will play a more pivotal role in that journey over 2025 than Regis Dudena , the leader of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets ( SPA ). Appointed to the role in April 2024 , Dudena has been tasked with overseeing the rollout of betting regulation that is paving the way for the hotly anticipated legal online market ’ s launch on January 1 , 2025 .
Dudena ’ s professional background spans several years in regulatory and public law , including his tenure as legal manager for the National Association of Rail Transporters from 2016 to 2019 prior to his arrival at the SPA . His expertise has quickly positioned him as a key figure in what many anticipate will become one of the world ’ s top three betting markets .
The promised four-stage rollout of gambling legislation was completed by the July deadline after a flurry of last-minute regulations were filed in the summer , dictating how the sector must approach everything from player protection to marketing and technology certification . These regulations have been praised for prioritizing responsible gambling , despite pushback from various public and political entities .
The SPA will be able to enforce fines of up to BRL2 billion ($ 328.8 million ) for companies that stray into the wrong side of regulation .
However , in an industry as polarizing as gambling , it ’ s perhaps unsurprising that some don ’ t feel the regulation goes far enough , or even that the betting laws themselves are not aligned with Brazil ’ s constitution .
For instance , Dudena spoke in November at the Federal Supreme Court ( STF ), which was holding a two-day hearing to investigate the impacts of betting in Brazil following a request by the National Confederation of Trade in Goods , Services and Tourism ( CNC ), the country ’ s third biggest trade union , to deem the betting laws unconstitutional , an act that could have far-reaching implications .
Dudena has staunchly defended the regulations and betting laws in place , as he believes their reversal would likely push bettors towards the illegal market and exacerbate issues like fraud and exploitation as a result .
There ’ s expected to be an STF resolution to that saga in the first half of 2025 , but even with a favorable outcome for the gambling industry in Brazil , Dudena will continue to play a pivotal role as both regulator and advocate , navigating the delicate balance between helping the sector to grow and addressing societal concerns .
There ’ s no doubt 2025 will prove a milestone year for betting in Brazil , and with Dudena at the helm , the country is set to establish itself as one of the leaders in regulated gambling thanks to the SPA leader ’ s commitment to fostering a safe and secure betting environment in the country . — Nicole Macedo
‘ Pressure is a Privilege ’
Meghan McCarthy Vice President of Operations , Hard Rock Hotel & Casino , Sacramento at Fire Mountain
For Meghan McCarthy , a career in gaming came as “ a welcome surprise .”
She once aspired to a career in pro tennis . But in college , she paid the bills working in spas , restaurants and hotels . “ My love for the hospitality industry started there ,” says McCarthy , “ and continues to this day .”
Over a 20-year career , she learned every corner of the business . As vice president of operations at Hard Rock Fire Mountain in Sacramento , she continues to touch all parts of the organization : sales , retail , food and beverage , the works .
“ No day is the same , no hour is the same ,” says McCarthy . “ Strategizing , planning and executing are what it ’ s all about in my world , always striving to provide the best guest experience .”
In 2023 , she was among five finalists for Hard Rock / Seminole Gaming ’ s
Chairman ’ s Award . She credits a few basic principles : Honesty and integrity : “ Doing the right thing even when no one is looking .” A driving work ethic : “ The world doesn ’ t owe you anything . Do not seek acknowledgement or appreciation ; do the work because you love the work and believe in the goals and visions .”
Generosity : “ Always take the time to give back . Understand and appreciate the power of making a difference in the world for the better . Last fall , Hard Rock ’ s Pinktober Gala raised more than $ 200,000 to support cancer research , and Mc- Carthy hopes to set a new record for giving in 2025 .
Servant leadership : “ Being a trusted support and resource for my teams .”
32 Global Gaming Business JANUARY 2025