As in previous editions, the four thematic axes on which the event programming has revolved have been: regulation, internationalization, opportunities and innovation, in addition to topics proposed by the regulators of the different attending countries.

The industry (operators, manufacturers and associations) has therefore had the opportunity to debate with the following countries represented; Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Paraná in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina:

• Manuel Sánchez Ortega, Executive Secretary of the Gaming Control Board of Panama
• Luis Felipe Coelho, Director of Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service, Portugal
• Bladismir Arce Cáceres, General Inspection Coordinator of CONAJZAR, Paraguay
• Martín García Santillán, President of the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Yuri Guerra, General Director of Casino Games and Slot Machines (Peru)
• Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, Acting Director of the Gaming Commission (Puerto Rico)
• Julio César Alvarado, General Director of the National Lottery (Ecuador)
• Vivien Villagrán Acuña, Superintendent of Gaming Casinos (Chile)
• Marco Emilio Hincapié Ramírez, President of Coljuegos (Colombia)
• Daniel Romanowski, General Director of Lotteries of the State of Parana (Brazil)

The regulators of these 10 Ibero-American countries that have participated in this edition of the Summit have ratified their commitment, support and interest in generating and strengthening communication between all actors in the sector, in addition to discussing the current situation of the industry and exchanging ideas. and experiences with the aim of strengthening relationships between gaming companies and government entities.

At this meeting, the Summit once again had a dynamic format, with more than 25 speakers who discussed the most relevant topics for the sector from an Ibero-American point of view. Throughout different round tables and presentations, the more than 130 participants had the opportunity to share experiences and present success stories from the perspectives of each of their countries.

The forum was inaugurated with the intervention of Omar Marrero, Secretary of the Department of State of Puerto Rico, who highlighted “We have gone through earthquakes, hurricanes, a pandemic, the fiscal crisis… Puerto Rico is at a turning point, crises allow us take advantage of the opportunities. For tourism, the gaming industry is fundamental and that is why record numbers have been achieved in Puerto Rico. “This island is the gateway to Latin America for companies from all over the world.”

On the other hand, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, Interim Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, added in his welcome greeting “The game in all its forms has been part of the history and culture of our Ibero-American nations for centuries and has evolved to adapt to the changing demands and technologies of our modern society. With this evolution come challenges and responsibilities, as regulators of the gaming industry we must be aware of our impact on society and work together to promote a safe, responsible and transparent gaming environment” and added “This Summit is the opportunity to discuss crucial topics such as regulation, technological innovation, corporate social responsibility and public-private collaboration. “Through the exchange of ideas and collaboration we can find creative and effective solutions that benefit all stakeholders: from operators and manufacturers to regulators, consumers and society in general” 

In the words of some of the regulators present, such as Manuel Sánchez, Executive Secretary of the Panama Gaming Control Board, it was commented that the stigmas that accompany the sector must be eliminated, since it is a regulated activity that boosts the economy. He indicated that “One of the greatest successes in his administration was having regulated online games, making sports in Panama more attractive due to the sponsorship of said Operators. Online games have contributed to the generation of jobs, both for influencers and sports journalists, as well as the income of the Panamanian state. “Panama is an example of regulation for the world.” 

On the other hand, the Colombian regulator, Marcó Emilio Hincapié, president of Coljuegos, highlighted “During the Summit, we have proposed strengthening regional work through the creation of a Latin American Commission of Regulators of Games of Luck and Chance. This, with the aim of advancing regulations, taking into account both the regulatory particularities of each country and the challenges faced by the industry. Likewise, we have taken advantage of this important meeting to propose the creation of an Ibero-American Lottery that allows us to obtain resources at a regional level to combat the impact of climate change. We thank the organizers of the Summit for the invitation, and we reiterate our commitment to continue working and sharing experiences regarding the regulation of games of luck and chance.” 

Representatives of the industry such as Cirsa or GLI wanted to highlight their connection with this event, Carlos Duelo, Director of Institutional Relations of Cirsa commented “For us the Summit offers us the opportunity to share a fantastic time with the regulators of the different countries in those of us who are present and able to talk about our activity in a relaxed and cordial manner.” 

Karen Sierra-Hughes emphasized “As sponsors of the Summit since its first edition, we are very satisfied with the event that has exceeded our expectations. A recognition for the regulators and industry representatives who came together to generate a transparent open dialogue to continue building a successful and sustainable industry.” Likewise, the conclusions of the 8th Ibero-American Gaming Summit have been included in the attached institutional declaration. 

The Ibero-American Gaming Summit is an annual meeting of great strategic importance, which provides the opportunity to closely follow the developments and milestones of the sector, while continuing to promote networking and promote the emergence of synergies in the market. Given the great interest shown by participants, a new annual event of the Ibero-American Gaming Summit is expected in another Ibero-American market in 2025. The organization of the Ibero-American Gaming Summit has been in charge of JAK Comunicación and has had the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, acting as institutional ambassador of the meeting in its capacity as host.