Soccermania

What is Soccermania?

Before joining the Ministry of Finance, Fabio Macorin served in Brazil’s Federal Police for 17 years. For a decade, he focused specifically on the investigation and prevention of banking and financial fraud. This experience helped shape his approach to betting regulation, particularly regarding anti-money laundering, financial monitoring, combatting the illegal market and inter-agency cooperation.

Brazil’s regulated betting market formally launched in 2025 and has since become one of the most closely watched regulatory initiatives in the global gaming and betting sector. Macorin, who also served as the SPA’s undersecretary for monitoring and enforcement, has been directly involved in initiatives to combat illegal operators, strengthen cooperation with financial institutions, telecommunications providers and other government authorities, as well as develop data-driven tools for regulatory oversight and enforcement.

Commenting on his election, Macorin expressed his honour at joining the IAGR board and contributing Brazil’s experience to the association’s international work.

About Soccermania

About 1,300 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 unions at Encore Boston Harbor went on strike on Friday after their previous collective bargaining agreement expired on 31 August.

In a statement, Wynn Resorts said the unions chose to strike “despite our continued efforts” to negotiate a new deal. Workers are calling for wage increases, healthcare and pension benefits and job security protections. The casino will remain operational despite the walkout. Workers had voted to authorise the strike on 20 August.

“We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable and protects jobs for the long term,” Wynn said.

What is Soccermania?

“Casinos, junkets, cryptocurrencies and underground banking are the most critical parts of the money laundering infrastructure that fuels international organised crime,” he said at the time. “The global gambling market will reach $205 billion in 2030.”

The government blocked 548,420 illegal betting and gambling websites between 2006 and 2025, including 84,000 in 2025 alone. 

These comments echo a similar sentiment emphasised at the country’s Directorate of Communications panel event on illegal betting and addiction on 10 September. Deputy Minister of Interior Ali Çelik suggested that curbing addiction would lead to a decrease in illegal betting activity.