Shifting sands: Latam recruitment trends in sports betting and gaming

The Brazilian boom: a closer look

Brazil’s recently launched regulated market has ignited a wave of opportunity, with a new phase of competition and growth now unfolding. Alongside Brazil, markets like Peru have also experienced a noticeable surge in demand for top-tier talent, often requiring leadership teams to be built from the ground up.

Brazil represents a monumental opportunity for global operators. The excitement around the country’s regulated market opening has been palpable since the National Congress first approved legislation for online betting in 2018, with significant investments being made by suppliers and operators to tap into its vast potential over the last six years. As the regulatory process began to pick up momentum in 2024, so did preparations for the market’s opening, which finally came earlier this month.

As both operators and suppliers look to set up operations or establish partnerships in the market, naturally the demand for senior leadership talent has skyrocketed. Roles such as managing directors, CFOs, chief technology officers and other C-suite executives have increased. Additionally, the demand for country managers and regional directors to oversee operations and lead regional offices has grown significantly. 

This trend isn’t limited to Brazil, it is also seen across the region’s other regulated markets, with senior placements through Arnold Ash based in Latam having doubled in the last 12 months.

The Latam skills search

Recruitment in Latam can present unique challenges. The complexities of local regulations, linguistic and cultural differences and fierce competition for the best talent can pose obstacles for companies entering the region. Success across the continent hinges on having the right people leading departments, with executives possessing both deep industry expertise and regional knowledge.

Arnold Ash has witnessed a staggering 300% increase in job openings in Latam over the last year, driven entirely by the region’s expanding industry. As an industry-leading executive recruitment team, we are trusted to build some of the highest performing teams in the industry.

The influx of opportunities has made Latam an attractive market for job seekers, offering the potential for significant personal, career and salary growth in the betting and gaming space. It is essential that we find the right fit for each role, by consulting with partners and helping them onboard business leaders that can act as true differentiators.

As companies seek leadership talent, hiring managers are looking for leaders with a clear strategic vision and agility to navigate newly regulated markets such as Brazil and Peru. Understanding the regulatory landscape is essential, as is the ability to build and lead teams that integrate local talent with international expertise. Leaders must adapt quickly, given the rapid evolution of market dynamics in the region. To drive growth and cut through the noise, executives must assemble teams that are digitally savvy, attuned to the unique needs of players in the market and capitalise on emerging trends.

From our work with Latam partners, we understand the unique needs for teams in the region. Relationships and retention are the key to success and at Arnold Ash we invest time and resources in becoming one pillar of the client’s strategic roadmap to ultimately shape and deliver on their business vision.

Latam’s betting and gaming industry presents a wealth of opportunities for companies and executives, but success will hinge on finding the right leaders to drive sustainable growth.

Jon Arnold has worked in recruitment since 2004 and is CEO of executive search specialist Arnold Ash Group.

Since the foundation of the company in 2013, Jon has successfully leveraged more than 20 years’ experience to place more than 500 candidates, and currently has more than 30 active strategic client partnerships.

Jon previously held senior leadership roles at Clement May Ltd (part of the HCR Group), Lorien and s.com Group.

Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.