About this app
About Tsar Wars
Philip Pietras, 52, admitted to stealing from more than 170 people, many of whom are senior citizens who sought to limit the emotional and financial burdens placed on their loved ones by prepaying for their funerals. But instead of placing those funds, meant for caskets and burial services, in escrow accounts, Pietras pocketed the money to gamble.
Pietras accepted a plea deal from the state, and prosecutors expect him to enter a guilty plea on Oct. 23 and be formally sentenced on Jan. 22, 2027.
Under the terms of the state’s offer, Pietras will admit to stealing his clients’ money for his personal use. In exchange for his admission, the state has recommended a prison sentence of 7.5 years instead of 15 years, followed by five years of probation.
What is Tsar Wars?
He brings extensive experience in law enforcement, the prevention of financial crimes, regulatory oversight and the development of Brazil’s newly regulated betting market.
At the SPA, Macorin plays a leading role in the implementation, supervision and enforcement of Brazil’s regulatory framework for betting.
Since joining the Ministry of Finance in 2024, he has been directly involved in implementing Brazil’s betting regulatory framework. His work has focused particularly on monitoring authorised operators, combatting the illegal market and strengthening controls to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, as well as coordinating enforcement actions with other government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
How to play Tsar Wars
This year sees the return of the majority of our judging panel for either the first, second or third consecutive year! Their confidence in the campaign, and how it’s run is a real testament to Most Influential Women, and how highly it is regarded across the sector, particularly as these types of lists and rankings gain popularity across industry media.
As of today, submissions for the 2026 iGB’s Most Influential Women list are open! We are once again looking for nominations that highlight all facets of the sector, and the women who are championing change and acting as leading forces within their company, or the sector more broadly.
Please provide as much detail and insight as possible on the person/s you are nominating. The more information and background we receive, the clearer the picture of their career and achievements can be.
