How the launch of regulated gaming in Brazil can unlock employment opportunities for underserved communities
[3 March 2025] — Favelas are vibrant, resilient communities that form an essential part of Brazil’s urban landscape. Yet, for millions living in these areas, systemic barriers like poverty, limited education, and scarce job opportunities persist. Today, Plataforma—a transformative initiative founded by Gary Carrier—is creating life-changing opportunities for residents of over 2,000 favelas across Brazil, equipping them with the tools to thrive both economically and personally.
When GeoComply’s founder and CEO, Anna Sainsbury, met Plataforma’s leader at G2E 2024—through a chance introduction by Bo Bernhard—she immediately recognized the powerful alignment between Plataforma’s mission and the potential for regulated gaming to drive positive social impact. That meeting sparked a new partnership and GeoComply’s $150,000 donation to help Plataforma expand its vital work.
What Are Favelas?
Favelas are informal urban settlements that arose over a century ago in response to rapid urbanization and deep economic inequality. Characterized by tightly packed homes and dynamic communities, they are often underserved by infrastructure and government support. Despite these challenges, favelas are rich in culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
However, poverty, limited education, inadequate healthcare, and few formal job opportunities continue to limit residents’ potential.
Plataforma: Transforming Potential into Prosperity
Plataforma is tackling these challenges head-on. Under Gary Carrier’s leadership, the organization is helping residents of Brazil’s favelas unlock their full potential and find meaningful employment. As Gary explains, “Our goal is to democratize opportunity and ensure that high-potential youth in Brazil’s favelas have the tools and connections they need to thrive in the modern economy.”
Key initiatives include:
- Skill Development: Tailored training in digital literacy, vocational skills, and more to help residents compete in the formal job market.
- Job Matching: Advanced technology connects individuals with job opportunities that suit their skills and aspirations.
- Entrepreneurial Support: Microloans, mentorship, and business planning resources help small businesses flourish.
- Community Empowerment: Workshops, networking events, and collaborative projects build social capital and strengthen communities.
A New Avenue: Brazil’s Gaming Industry
The recent launch of Brazil’s regulated gaming industry offers an unprecedented opportunity to multiply Plataforma’s impact. As the industry grows, so does its need for diverse, skilled talent.
By hiring from Plataforma’s talent pool, gaming companies can meet their staffing needs while empowering favela residents and fueling broader economic inclusion. “By partnering with industries like gaming, we can create a pathway from favelas to the forefront of technology and innovation,” says Gary Carrier. “It’s about unlocking possibilities and transforming lives.”
Imagine developers, designers, and tech professionals emerging from favelas and contributing to Brazil’s booming gaming and tech sectors. This collaboration isn’t just workforce development—it’s social transformation.
How You Can Help
Businesses and organizations have a unique opportunity to drive change. Whether through hiring, partnerships, or supporting Plataforma’s programs, your involvement can make a real difference.
Visit Plataforma’s website or contact their team to explore how you can be part of this movement.
A Brighter Future
Plataforma’s mission goes beyond employment. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and transformation. By elevating the lives of favela residents, we can help create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Brazilians.
At GeoComply, we’re proud to support Plataforma and celebrate the resilience and potential of Brazil’s favela communities. Together—with initiatives like Plataforma and the growth of industries like gaming—we can ensure that every Brazilian has the chance to dream, grow, and succeed.
About GeoComply:
GeoComply provides advanced anti-fraud and geolocation compliance technologies that detect location fraud and help verify a user’s true digital identity. Trusted by leading brands and regulators for the past 10 years, the company’s geolocation solutions are installed on over 200 million devices and analyze over a billion transactions every month.
GeoComply’s award-winning products are based on the technologies developed for the highly regulated and complex US online gaming and sports betting market. Beyond iGaming, GeoComply provides geolocation fraud detection solutions for streaming video broadcasters and the online banking, payments, and cryptocurrency industries, building an impressive list of customers, including Akamai, Nextdoor, BBC, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Luno.
