Andre Feldman

Career

André Feldman dedicated over two decades to the gambling sector, becoming a driving force in its development within Brazil. His association with Caesars Entertainment began in 2012, and under his leadership, Big Brazil commenced operations in the country in 2015 with the organization of a World Series of Poker (WSOP) event. This marked a significant moment, bringing a globally recognized poker brand to Brazilian players.

Feldman's vision extended beyond poker. He spearheaded Big Brazil's efforts to secure licenses as Brazil moved towards regulating online gaming. In September 2024, he expressed his enthusiasm in an interview with iGaming Brazil shortly after receiving accreditation in the State of Rio de Janeiro via LOTERJ. He emphasized Caesars' commitment to operating within regulated markets, highlighting their Nasdaq listing and stating that their Brazilian operations only commenced after regulation.

His strategic acumen was evident in his understanding of the regulatory landscape. He acknowledged the restrictive nature of the initial legislation, noting the disparity between the large number of existing offshore operators and the smaller number of companies seeking licenses. Feldman was instrumental in positioning Big Brazil and the Caesars brand at the forefront of this new era.

Beyond online gaming and sports betting, Feldman also championed the cause of poker in Brazil. He was responsible for bringing the WSOP Circuit to the country in 2016 and facilitated the visit of the partypoker MILLIONS Live brand, attracting international poker stars. He actively advocated for poker regulation in Brazil, engaging in legal battles in Brasilia to further its cause. His efforts contributed significantly to Brazil becoming a prominent hub for major poker tournaments.

Feldman's insights extended to the potential of land-based casinos in Brazil. While online regulation preceded the physical sector, he recognized the potential of brick-and-mortar casinos to boost tourism, create jobs, and generate revenue. However, he projected that the realization of land-based casinos in Brazil was still some years away due to the necessary legislative processes.

Personal life

André Feldman was married to Juliana Alves Feldman, who tragically passed away with him in the helicopter crash. The couple had a 12-year-old daughter who survived the accident. The provided text highlights the profound loss felt by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Interesting facts

André Feldman was instrumental in bringing both the globally recognized Caesars and WSOP brands to Brazil.

He organized the first WSOP event in Rio de Janeiro, an event he described as an "adrenaline rush" and a historic moment for the Brazilian gaming scene.

Feldman was a strong advocate for the regulation of both online gaming and poker in Brazil, actively working towards a structured and legal framework.

He accurately predicted that the regulation of online gambling would precede that of physical casinos in Brazil.

His company, Big Brazil, was among the first to apply for a federal online gaming license in Brazil and also secured accreditation in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Legacy

Reflecting on the first WSOP in Rio: "The first WSOP in Rio was an adrenaline rush. Many believed it would not be possible. I confess that sometimes, even I doubted whether we could hold the event. We made history, retold history, and marked an era... For approximately 70 years, those halls built in 1927 did not receive players, dealers, tables or chips. It was historic, especially for me, who fights for the sector's regulation. That was a dream, an honor, and an achievement."

Caesars' entry into the regulated Brazilian market: "It (Caesars) does not operate on the gray market, it is a company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The operation only began after regulation in Brazil. Today the license came out in Rio, and this is the first interview we gave after this news." Regarding the Brazilian regulatory landscape: "The government raised the bar with very restrictive legislation. The biggest proof of this is that today, 3,500 websites are operating in Brazil, and just over 100 companies have requested licenses."

On the timeline for land-based casinos in Brazil: "Even after passing through the Senate and presidential sanction, we will have to regulate physical gambling. Therefore, it will not be quick. This is a personal projection [that land-based casinos should not become a reality before two or three years]."