Brazilian executives in the betting industry complete development program in the US.
Hugo Baungartner and Elvis Lourenço, executives from the Brazilian gaming and betting market, completed the Executive Development Program (EDP) 2025 last Saturday (15). The program was promoted by the University of Nevada, Reno, in partnership with the UNLV International Gaming Institute of Las Vegas.
The participation of these Brazilian executives in the EDP reflects the growing importance of specialized professional training for the gaming and betting market in Brazil, especially at a time of regulation and expansion of the sector in the country. This international training becomes strategic so that Brazilian leaders can implement global practices adapted to the local reality.
The EDP is an eight-day immersion program aimed at professionals in the gaming industry. Since its inception, the program has trained over 1.650 executives from companies and regulatory bodies in various countries.
The course held in Lake Tahoe provided participants with interaction with executives from the gaming and hospitality industry. Participants applied their knowledge to real-world case studies and established professional contacts with industry leaders.
The Executive Development Program is specifically designed for professionals whose roles involve strategic thinking about products, attractions, casino environment, employee development, community relations, and customer service. The program enhances leadership and management capabilities in a constantly changing environment, preparing participants to reshape their organizations in the face of industry challenges and opportunities.
Founded in 1990 by Dr. Bill Eadington, a pioneer in the study of commercial games, the EDP maintains its focus on developing strategic thinking on emerging industry issues. The initiative combines theory and practice, with the participation of executives and academics.
The program is moderated by Dr. Bo Bernhard, Interim Vice President of the UNLV Foundation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Jim McClenahan, Executive Director of Outreach and Engagement at the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno.
During the program, participants examine key issues such as sustaining competitive advantage, responding to political uncertainties, managing organizational change, and developing strategic alliances—crucial elements for the developing Brazilian market.
Elvis Lourenço, who has over 15 years of experience in sports betting and casinos, working in regulated markets in Brazil, Mexico, and Curaçao, stated after completing the program: “I’m still trying to process everything that happened in the Executive Development Program (EDP) at the University of Nevada, Reno, in partnership with the UNLV International Gaming Institute. Unforgettable!”
The executive said of the experience: “I spent 7 days in Lake Tahoe totally immersed in conversations about strategy, leadership, innovation, and the future of the gaming industry with incredible people from the market and academia. I'm not just returning with new concepts, but with real frameworks, ideas that I can apply immediately, and a much clearer vision of where I want to help take this sector.”
Executive Elvis Lourenço expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Executive Development Program (EDP), held by the University of Nevada, Reno, in partnership with the UNLV International Gaming Institute: “My sincere thanks to the entire EDP team, to Bo Bernhard and Jim McClenahan, you were incredible, to all the faculty and, especially, to some mentors I had the honor of meeting.”
The program featured prominent executives from the global gaming and entertainment industry, including: Simon Thomas, CEO of Hippodrome Casino; Todd Haushalter, CPO of Evolution; Alan Feldman, Senior Advisor at MGM Resorts; Anthony Sobb, CEO of Farfield RSL; Tiina Siltanen, VP of Casino at Veikkaus; among others.
Regarding future plans, Lourenço said: “Now is the time to take all this energy and apply it to projects in Brazil and abroad, building sustainable, innovative and responsible gaming operations. If you are thinking about applying to the EDP Executive Development Program, I can confidently say that it is a game-changer in your career.”
Hugo Baungartner, with 28 years of experience in the gambling industry, stated: “I am pleased to announce the completion of the Executive Development Program (EDP) 2025, co-sponsored by the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno — an advanced international program focused on strategic leadership, industry innovation, and executive decision-making within the global gaming sector.”
Baungartner highlighted the benefits of the experience: “This experience strengthened my perspective on high-performance management, regulatory frameworks, and the evolving integration between gaming, entertainment, and technology. It also provided valuable insights into how these global trends connect to the rapidly expanding Brazilian market, which is entering a new phase of professionalization, regulation, and long-term growth opportunities.”
The executive thanked MGM Resorts Senior Advisor Alan Feldman for his guidance during the week-long program and expressed appreciation to Grupo Esportes Gaming Brasil for their support during his participation in EDP. The company manages brands such as Esportes da Sorte, Onabet, and Lottu in the Brazilian betting market.
The EDP is aimed at a diverse range of professional profiles, including executives and senior managers in positions of substantial responsibility, owners, board members, government regulators, and emerging talent within gaming organizations, offering opportunities to develop strategies to anticipate challenges in a global environment and establish valuable relationships in the industry.
