“G2E is once again a meeting place for the entire industry”: Cristian Galarza, ASAP

How was your experience at G2E this year?

G2E 2022 was the opportunity to reconnect with the industry after so long. Although we visited the shows that were held post-pandemic, this is the first time that the sector has been shown in full again. On the other hand, the city of Las Vegas seems to have revived (really last year it was not seen as "happy", as we are used to).

How did you see the show?

The event is once again a meeting place for the entire industry. I was pleasantly surprised to see exhibitors who were not there last year, and also to see many operators from Latin America in the halls and stands. And everyone buying machines! (which speaks clearly of the recovery of the sector).

How does the show help you meet your customers’ needs?

As you know, ASAP has offices in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Miami, so it is very good for us to be able to interact with the people we deal with on a daily basis virtually. Sitting at a table with the heads of each region, and with the operational managers in the different countries of origin, makes communication much easier. Due to the diversity of origins, it is not so easy for us to visit our clients in the USA, Spain, Australia, Austria, Slovenia, Bulgaria, etc.

For this reason, shows are key moments for us. Which are your plans in the short and medium term?

Our great concern today is the Argentine market. The situation with imports is very difficult, we are in a very uncertain moment. The gaming sector has recently been punished (during G2E) with the application of an additional tax of 30%, and a 70% advance tax on profits. But even then the approval of the licenses is not guaranteed. The new foreign trade regulations entered into force on October 17, but nothing is clear or defined. For this reason, our short-term plans are to stay very close to our clients, advising them on a daily basis regarding regulatory changes and their application, explaining what options they have, helping them to develop their businesses despite the context and the situation (always remembering that in Argentina these things happen cyclically and just as they come they go, and that it is the most profitable market in the region). On the other hand, of course we will continue accompanying our clients in the other LATAM markets where the operation does not have the complications of Argentina (especially in Colombia and Peru where we have our own offices).