- University of São Paulo
1997-2000
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Baungartner has played a central role in aligning some of the sector’s key players with Brazil’s evolving regulatory framework. His work in the Brazilian gaming industry has helped to bridge the gap between the private sector and institutions like the Brazilian Secretary of Prizes and Betting, the Central Bank, and COAF.
Elsewhere, Baungartner helped lead efforts around technical certifications and forming partnerships that positioned Aposta Ganha as a well-established operator in a crowded Brazilian marketplace.
EMPLOYMENT
Alongside his early days in gaming, Baungartner worked for several years as a Wine Consultant and Teacher, perhaps where he developed key communication skills that would be critical later in his career.
Baungartner was also the Co-Founder and Partner of Taiko Restaurante Japones between October 2003 and April 2010, which was located in São Paulo.
One of his first forays into the gambling scene was with RCT Gaming, a company he has been with since 1997. Baungartner began as a Technician and Machine Data Collector before becoming Director of Operations in 2000.
He would hold this position for seven years before becoming the International Business Development Manager in 2008. Two years later, Baungartner would become COO with a focus on Central American, North American and Asian markets.
During this time, he was also COO for Prohands. Here, Baungartner was responsible for leading the development of solutions for casino games, video bingo and slots.
Interestingly, Baungartner would step back from his time as COO in both companies and become a Board Member for Prohards in July 2022 and a Board Member for RCT Gaming in 2023.
Jumping back to his other ventures, Baungartner joined Salsa Technology in 2018, where he led the Asia and LatAm Business Development team, before expanding his presence the gambling industry in March 2020 with Jackpot Software. Here, Baungartner would hold the position of Director of Operations, Asia and Latin America.
Over the next few years, Baungartner would work as a Sales Associate for OneTouch Games and Kalamba Games, before moving on to Head of Global Sales at Caleta Gaming in 2021.
Also in 2021, Baungartner would become the Business Executive Latam for Yolo Group as well as join 27th Gaming Group as VP International Gaming and Business Development. On the side, between 2019 and 2024, he was also CEO for Bet55 and Board Member for Vegas Card of Brazil.
His move to Grupo Aposta Ganha marked a turning point. As Vice President of Global Markets, a role which he was appointed to in 2023, he led the company’s expansion into new territories. His regulatory insight and business acumen helped position Aposta Ganha in the LatAm market through its phase of expansion, thanks to his guidance as a VP.
During his time at Grupo Aposta Ganha, Baungartner would become Head of Mexico, VP of Government Affairs and finally CCO in May 2024.
In May 2025, Baungartner was appointed Executive Director of Institutional Relations and Strategic Partnerships Esportes Gaming Brasil. In this role, he is responsible for the company’s engagements with regulatory bodies in Brazil, including the Secretary of Prizes and Betting, the Federal Revenue Service, the Central Bank, and COAF.
His duties also encompass overseeing strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring the company’s operations align with Brazil’s regulatory landscape.
Baungartner decided to focus all of his time into this venture and gave up his Board Member positions in RCT Gaming and Prohards in order to do so.
The Esportes Gaming Brasil CEO, Darwin Filho, stated: “Hugo’s arrival strengthens our ability to act strategically in a constantly evolving sector. He brings an experienced, technical perspective aligned with the principles of governance and innovation that guide our group’s companies.”
“Brazil is going through a crucial moment in regulating the sector, and being at the forefront of this movement with such a relevant group is a challenge that truly motivates me. Our goal is to ensure our operations not only meet legal requirements but also serve as a benchmark for best practices, innovation, and sustainable growth.” Hugo Baungartner
