BetConstruct CEO Lena Yasir on navigating regulatory complexities and regional nuances in iGaming expansion

BetConstruct AI’s newly appointed CEO, Lena Yasir, has outlined the dual realities facing operators as they internationalise: rising regulatory burdens in mature markets and promising yet fragmented opportunities in Latin America. Yasir, who took the helm with a mandate to boost revenue and simplify operations for clients, highlighted how technology partners can offset mounting compliance costs.

Europe’s tightening grip

Across Europe, operators are confronting a wave of tax increases and re-regulations. In the past two years alone, jurisdictions including the UK, Netherlands, Italy, France, and Bulgaria have raised taxes, while Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Romania have updated their gambling frameworks. Yasir acknowledged that operating in Europe has grown significantly more complex but insisted the region remains commercially viable for those equipped with the right infrastructure.

“Europe is becoming more challenging for operators. Regulation is stricter and operators need to be more careful with compliance,” Yasir said. She noted that BetConstruct’s platform tools, including AI analytics, CRM, risk management, and back-office systems, can help operators make smarter decisions when margins are squeezed by higher taxes and stricter rules. “When costs and taxes increase, operators need to make smarter decisions. They need better data, better CRM, better reporting, and more efficient systems,” she explained.

LatAm’s hyperlocalisation imperative

While Europe poses hurdles, Latin America offers growth — but success hinges on deep localisation. Markets such as Peru, Mexico, and Colombia have opened, drawing international interest. However, Yasir stressed that Latin America is not a monolith; cultural differences between countries demand tailored approaches to payments, content, and mobile experience.

“We need to make sure we have local knowledge, local payments, local content, a good mobile experience, and strong CRM,” Yasir said. BetConstruct has invested in local teams and content to support operators seeking turnkey or modular solutions in the region. “LatAm has very strong growth potential, but success will be dependent on localisation, compliance, retention and long-term brand trust,” she added.

Brazil: opportunity meets uncertainty

Brazil, which fully regulated online gambling in 2025, remains one of the world’s most closely watched markets. With a population exceeding 200 million and a deep sports culture, the potential is enormous. Yet the environment has turned challenging: President Lula’s government has grown hostile to the regulation it introduced only 18 months ago, and a proposed tax increase from 12% to 15% adds further pressure.

Yasir remains optimistic but realistic. “The opportunity is very big in Brazil. The population is large, and they have a strong sports culture and interest in digital entertainment. But it’s also a very complex market,” she said. She warned that operators will need more than big marketing budgets — strong products, local payments, CRM, responsible gaming tools, and reliable technology are essential. BetConstruct aims to supply the flexibility and infrastructure operators need to navigate Brazil’s shifting regulatory and competitive landscape.