Exploring Strategic Trends from GAT Expo CDMX 2026 in the Gaming Industry

General Balance of GAT Expo CDMX 2026

Attendance, companies, and business generation

In an interview with SoloAzar, José Aníbal Aguirre evaluates the trade show and what it represents for the gaming industry in Latin America. “The strategic balance is very positive. This edition confirmed that Mexico occupies a central place in the industry’s conversation in Latin America. We opted for a format with commercial emphasis, focused on fostering useful meetings among real decision-makers, and the response was very good. We saw active participation from major licensees, operators, suppliers, manufacturers, associations, and strategic allies who took advantage of the space to discuss concrete business. We have prioritized the quality of participants and content over the quantity of passersby in the aisles and event dispersion. I am convinced that the most important aspect was the interactions and the perception that the time invested generated value for attendees. GAT has managed to build its identity as a productive B2B platform, creating a space that the Mexican gaming industry recognizes as its own.”

Mexico’s Gaming Industry Advances Toward Omnichannel Integration

Land-based operators drive digital acceleration and new opportunities

Speaking about the main trends, Aguirre highlights that the industry is leaving behind rigid divisions between land-based and digital in a strategic manner.

“Today the conversation revolves around how to better integrate both worlds, with omnichannel taking precedence. It is important to highlight that in Mexico, land-based casino licensees are very strong groups and, in practice, it is legal for many online operators to act in association with a ‘parent’ license of a land-based licensee. We found great interest in technological solutions aimed at operational efficiency, user experience, data intelligence, payment methods, and commercial tools that help better understand the customer. It is also evident that the market seeks greater sophistication in marketing, affiliation, and acquisition. Mexico is showing a very interesting evolution because it combines a strong traditional operation with digital acceleration that opens new opportunities.”

Renewed Format and Opening Networking Session

When asked about the impact this dynamic had on attendees’ experience and the creation of new business alliances, Aguirre emphasizes that the change was the right decision. “Many times the best businesses do not start at a formal table, but in more spontaneous conversations where there is time to get to know each other and understand common interests. The opening reception created precisely that environment. Big Bola Casinos, for the second time, has given us its full trust and support for networking full of color, joy, music, and good moments. We experienced the prelude to the Football World Cup at Casino Big Bola Santa Fe. When the trade show began the next day, many conversations were already underway. That makes the event more productive and natural for everyone. The response from entrepreneurs and brands was very favorable, because they value spaces where human contact still carries real weight.”

Mexico Consolidates as a Strategic Hub for Gaming and Betting in LatAm Ahead of the FIFA World Cup

“Mexico has a privileged position,” says Aguirre regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup. “By market size, connectivity, business capacity, and proximity to international players, it is a country destined to play an increasingly relevant role in the regional industry. The World Cup will naturally attract attention and investment, but even without that factor, Mexico was already consolidating its importance. There is a very active business ecosystem and a clear willingness to innovate. From GAT we see it as a strategic market not only because of its own weight, but because many decisions that impact the rest of Latin America are made here. The Mexican industry authorized to operate in the territory has not sat back waiting for regulatory changes, which will eventually come. The market’s dynamism and demand are such that Mexico is very active, despite the long regulatory pause.”

Lessons from Expo Santa Fe and Future Challenges for GAT Events

“Each edition leaves lessons. In this case, we confirmed that more focused formats work well when you consider the attendee profile, the moment the sector is experiencing in that jurisdiction, and how to optimize time. Today’s entrepreneur seeks efficiency, useful meetings, and well-designed experiences. We also understood that well-structured networking is not a complement, but an essential part of the business. Moving forward, we will continue refining formats, strengthening in-person experiences, and exploring new ways to add value for both exhibitors and visitors. GAT has been evolving with the industry for almost three decades, and that adaptability has been a fundamental part of our permanence. We will return to Mexico City next year with even more enthusiasm!” concludes Aguirre.