GAT Expo CDMX Academy: Exploring Opportunities of the LatAm Gambling Sector

More than 300 industry representatives attended the business gathering, including operators, gaming software providers, associations, government agencies, and regulatory authorities. The event’s programme featured a mix of discussions and educational sessions, strengthening Mexico's role as a vital platform for shaping the future of the Latin American amusement sector.

Agenda of the Business Event

The gathering commenced early in the morning with welcoming speeches from distinguished industry leaders.

The pool of experts comprised representatives of the following companies and institutions:

• GAT Expo;
• AIEJA (Mexican union);
• Fintech Mexico Association;
• Coljuegos (Colombian regulatory body);
• Bitso Mexico (crypto payment organisation).

From the very beginning, guests were introduced to a strategic outlook and a strong focus on the key challenges affecting national and regional markets.

Domestic Industry: Current State and Future Prospects

The 1st panel concentrated on the development path of Mexico's gambling sector. Karen Sierra Hughes from Gaming Laboratories International moderated the session. The section also featured Alfredo Lazcano, a fintech legal expert, and David Sides, Logrand’s Director.

The participants concurred that Mexico is at a pivotal stage in its growth. Anticipations for expansion align with a pressing need for regulatory reform, as existing legal constraints are hindering the industry's progress.

Necessity for Amendments to the Gaming and Lottery Act

The panel centred on the issue currently worrying Mexican operators and their providers the most.

The following experts joined the discussion and highlighted an urgent need for a comprehensive reform:

• PR&A’s Carlos Portilla;
• AIEJA’s Óscar Paredes Arroyo;
• SCCG Management’s Rosa Ochoa.

The speakers concurred that the existing legislation, enacted in 1947, is obsolete, complicates authorised operations, and impedes AML efforts and effective oversight of the shadow entertainment segment.

Import and Distribution of Gambling Equipment

The event's organisers allocated a part of the programme to the discussion of the challenges associated with importing gambling equipment from abroad. The session was moderated by PR&A’s José Luis Álvarez.

Representatives of the following brands’ Mexican subsidiaries voiced their opinions:

• Amusnet;
• FBM;
• Novomatic.

Furthermore, independent consultants articulated their perspectives regarding legal matters. The panellists underlined that the country is presently experiencing a pivotal phase in customs regulation, characterised by a de facto prohibition on the import of casino equipment. The final deadline for deliveries was October 2024, and so far, the issue of resuming shipments remains unresolved at the political level.

Let us explore the key insights shared by specialists:

1. Enrique Manjarrez, Novomatic. The expert stated that the domestic sector must demonstrate ingenuity and is currently undergoing a “second pandemic.” Providers are unable to guarantee the full spectrum of services required. With the closure of imports, distributors were compelled to rely on their existing inventory, adjust hardware, modify software, and innovate in order to fulfil customer demands for fresh products.
2. Iraid Rosales, Amusnet. The specialists noted that the sphere has not yet received any feedback from the local authorities. Consequently, suppliers are unable to notify their clients about an equipment delivery date due to legal restrictions. The firm's representative is optimistic that a resolution will be found soon, as the current situation adversely affects licensed companies and the entire industry.
3. Luis Casamayor, FBM. In the short term, the only feasible option is to launch the manufacturing process in Mexico. It is uncertain when the issue will be addressed, and concurrently, the segment experiences a natural cycle of equipment renewal. Nowadays, casinos have high requirements that must be satisfied. Local production continues to be the only practical solution.

Online Ecosystem and Affiliate Networks

Joaquín Gago, Betandeal’s CEO, led this session, providing guests with an exclusive presentation on partner promotion instruments. The lecture was organised as a practical case, outlining a step-by-step algorithm of actions to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Afterwards, a panel dedicated to the advancements in the iGaming and sports betting verticals took place.

The following experts joined the discussion to explore the topic from various perspectives:

• Luckia’s Luis Caro;
• Playdoit’s Eduardo Villegas;
• Golden Lion’s Enrique Romero;
• Prometeo IT’s Jorge Rojas, etc.

Special emphasis was placed on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment sphere. In the past, these technologies were primarily utilised for analysing large data volumes. Today, they enable companies to develop gambling solutions from the ground up and detect new patterns in player behaviour.

Equally important was the discussion on combining online wagering with retail operations. This strategy transforms the market into a genuinely multi-channel landscape, greatly improving the customer experience.

South America: Oversight and Ways to Combat the Illicit Sector

The panel analysed industry regulation across diverse regional countries and investigated methods to tackle the shadow segment. Delegates from numerous states shared hands-on approaches that they have implemented within their jurisdictions.

The list of involved countries includes:

• Peru;
• Uruguay;
• Paraguay;
• Colombia, etc.

Greater emphasis was placed on the oversight of online transactions, along with concerns regarding cross-border collaboration between regulators and professional associations.

Payment and Management Tools

Representatives of Klu, AIEJA Online, Getnet Santander, and other major industry players participated in the discussion. The focus was on challenges faced by Latin America, such as bank constraints on opening accounts for foreign enterprises and the quick growth of cryptocurrency payments in the sector.

The Academy track ended with a report from Amusnet’s Daniel Arias, who presented an OKR management methodology. This approach, which is quite uncommon in the gambling sphere, assists companies in developing efficient processes and achieving specific goals.

New Business Ties and Strategic Alliances

A major highlight of the agenda was a conference devoted to fostering productive collaborations among associations within Latin America’s entertainment industry. During the summit, representatives of prominent local and global entities explored strategies to establish partnerships and bolster business connections.

The event featured the formal announcement of the regional Gaming Network. This initiative endeavours to bring together guilds and various niche communities from more than 18 countries spanning Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. The day’s programme concluded with the AIEJA Assembly and an evening reception at an opulent Mexican casino, setting a positive tone for the GAT Expo.

Staying updated on the latest industry news, major events, and future-shaping trends is undoubtedly crucial for entrepreneurs to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving gambling arena. Gaminator’s experts deliberately monitor the current situation and equip clients with the most relevant information necessary for launching and managing a business successfully.