The future of casinos: The topic of the first talk at GAT Virtual Expo

Participants of the panel were: Manuel San Román, General Director of Casinos, Games and Slots at MINCETUR, Peru, José Maymo Azizé, Executive Director of the Gaming Commission of Puerto Rico Government, and Rodrigo Ajenjo, from Chile Casino Superintendence.

Manuel San Roman, talked in the first place about the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the sector: "The impact of the pandemic has been tremendous for the gaming activity because casinos and slots are in the last opening phase in different countries. If there is something that was affected was tourism, and we are a touristic activity," he affirmed.

Then, he added that the gaming activity has permanent protocols, therefore, it is easier to adequate to the bio-security protocol.

"The lesson is that we have to insist on the regulation of internet games and sports betting. Outside companies do not want to enter to compete in a regulated market. People feel safer with a regulation that helps both the entrepreneur, regulator and client".

San Roman emphasizes the issue of security that the regulation gives to the activity: "We seek to have control of an activity, as well as we seek security for the client. I believe that the first control on the tax issue has been successful. Each time We speak with a possible operator in Peru, they are sure that the system is 100% secure. Controls and protocols must be a normal part. The quality of the information given to the client also counts. "

Besides, José Maymo Azize commented about the situation of the sector in Puerto Rico: "Here in Puerto Rico we keep on working hard on a government agency seeking to treat such important issues such as online gaming. Seeing the steps of other nations, we have developed different models seeking to maximize the tools we have. "He also highlighted that Puerto Rico has had casinos for a long time, with enviable controls, and that therefore, they look to them as an example."

Rodrigo Ajenjo, from Chile Casino Superintendence, said the following about the future of casinos in the country: "In Chile, the casinos will just open in phase 5; they asked to open in phase 4. In SCJ, we believe it is possible, however, we don't know if they will authorize. The reopening will be different according to the casinos, whether they are touristic or local public".