Borghi: “We are already working for some LatAm clients in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia”

Global Lab is dedicated to the certification and auditing of systems and platforms in the segments of casinos, iGaming and betting.

The company, based in Malta, has a solid and successful experience in Europe. What role has the Global Lab played in this pandemic situation as a certification body for gambling? What were the demands of the operators during the last year, affected by the Coronavirus and by the end of their activities?

The pandemic showed how big business can be and how, in the future, online betting, casinos and entertainment services can grow, not only in Brazil, but also globally. For Global Lab, it was an opportunity to modernize our processes and focus them on remote and efficient service. Since there is an instantaneous response when communicating online, we must take advantage of this to enhance our service. The overall balance was positive. Despite limitations of the pandemic, we managed to penetrate the Eastern European market of the former Soviet Union.

The rise in online gaming due to quarantine has also increased the dangers of handling digital information and cyber security. Based on your knowledge on Information Technology, how do you think companies should work to address issues such as respecting sports integrity, players’ protection, responsible gambling, prevention of money laundering and control of confidential information to give players peace of mind and security?

The different regulations of the existing markets where Global Lab operates are very clear about the security of online platforms and games, and companies must comply with these recommendations. We have a wide range of procedures specifically oriented to information security, responsible gambling and the combat against money laundering. Our processes are certified by professionals, experts in ISO/IEC 27001, and follow specific indications of ISO/IEC 17020 and 17025 for inspection laboratories.

What is your opinion about the potential of gambling in Latin America? How is your company positioned in this continent?

We are a company that operates in the European market. In March 2020, following our original expansion plan, we knew the correct decision was to establish business in Latin America. That’s why we decided to open a permanent representation in Brazil, to be able serve the Latin American market. We are already working for some LatAm clients in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Certainly, we have been eyeing the Brazilian market for a long time! We know the type of profile of current Brazilian gaming entrepreneurs. The big question to be answered is what will be their profile in the coming years. That will undoubtedly depend on the format of different future legislation related to the sector in that country.

It is clear that as the dynamics of the industry and technology evolve, certification companies such as Global Lab must also advance and grow. How is your company innovating to continue working for the progress of gambling? In which way your team is able to meet current demands of technical projects presented by your customers?

As a cyber-security inspection lab, we offer professional services such as Penetration Testing, PCI ASV Vulnerability Scanning, PCI DSS and PCI PA DSS gap analysis, Security Design Review, and Cyber-security Maturity Assessment, among others. The decision to set up a new laboratory was taken based on an ambitious goal: “To transform the relationship we had with customers,” providing a service that has a perfect combination of professionalism, transparency, availability and price. We must work with customers by accompanying and explaining to them that our mission is to ensure their safety. Global Lab has being offering a very close collaboration, and that is what customers need. Our team of professionals has 30+ years of experience in the global gaming market, and is very well prepared to face complex technical challenges.

Which novelties are you preparing for the rest of 2021?

We are now working for the development of the Brazilian market. We already have contact with several states to understand their needs and find the best way to collaborate with the regulation of the sector. Our team is willing to help in achieving this goal. As a professional in this area, I really hope that Brazil accepts clean rules for the gaming market, and see how positive it can be for Brazilian society that the money that today leaves the country with foreign operators is here for the benefit of all. For many years we have been keeping an eye on Brazil, and this 2021 we are seeing a stronger light at the end of the tunnel. I think that, this time, both politicians and Government organizations are going in the same direction. For the project management process, we are developing a complete interactive CRM system to better support our clients. We intend to completely change the approach of Testing House, supporting clients with transparency and efficiency, good prices and an improved testing timing.