What were the main challenges when organizing SBC Summit Latin America?
Some obstacles were encountered during the planning of the SBC Summit Latin America. Most of them revolved around travel restrictions during the pandemic. We pride ourselves on the content, service and quality of the delegates who attend our events and this one was no different. Normally we would have had everyone attend in person (including some of our own staff), we understood the challenges and therefore created an online platform where everyone could access the content of the conference, as well as allowing some of our speakers can conduct some sessions remotely. In the end, the content of the conference proved to be king as hundreds of delegates attended in person and online and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We firmly believe that we have established a good foundation for the future of SBC Summit Latin America and we look forward to making it bigger and better next year.

What evaluation do you make about the event in general?
We consider the event to have been a great success. Getting back to doing business and sharing ideas in person wasn't an easy task, but as it turned out last week, our audience was yearning for it. From the quality of the conference to a lively exhibition floor, the networking events and our lavish awards ceremony, we are very proud of the work and organization that we put into place to make it a great and unforgettable first event focused on Latin America.

Sessions and conference themes are always the epicenter of our events, but there is nothing better than being face to face with other industry professionals. Our event began with a pre-registration party that set the tone for the rest of the week. Over a hundred delegates attended the evening event and it could be felt that in-person networking had finally returned. The Wednesday night party at Esotico, sponsored by Delasport and Betcris, was one of the networking highlights. Not only were ideas being shared and new relationships being built, but everyone was having a great time. The week culminated with a lavish awards ceremony and a closing night party sponsored by Evolution. All in all, it was a truly unforgettable week.

What has been the feedback from the exhibiting companies and visitors?
Feedback in general has been extremely positive. The conference sessions were relevant, the networking events were much needed, and Miami made it the perfect location for our inaugural event to take place. We continue to collect feedback and hope to make it even better for future editions of the show.
What were the main topics covered in the conferences?
The topics covered revolved around sports and betting, online gambling, the future of LATAM, regulation and marketing. The conference agenda examined the main issues facing gaming operators, providers, affiliates and regulators in newly regulated markets and territories that are currently trying to design viable regulatory regimes.

The agenda was complemented by a list of speakers selected for their practical experience working in the region, including Xabier Rodríguez-Maribona (CEO, Grupo Retabet), Alberto D'Angelo (CEO, La Tinka), Lourdes Britto (Director of Omnichannel Strategy) , Total Bet), Andre Gelfi (Managing Partner Brazil, Betsson), Martin Lycka (Senior Vice President of US Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gaming, Entain), Mattias Stetz (COO, Rush Street Interactive), Alex Fonseca (Country Manager - Brazil, Kaizen Gaming) and many more.

How do you see the current situation of the Latin American gambling market, and the near future?
The success of the regulated market in Colombia has assured the international industry that the potential in Latin America is real, and the main operators are already moving to other territories that have established licensing regimes. But the industry's true take-off point will come if moves to regulate online gambling markets in more countries are successful.
People are closely following developments in Chile, Peru and Bolivia, but the big decision that everyone is waiting for will be made by the Brazilian authorities. There is reason to be optimistic that a regulated market may finally launch there in 2022, despite some of the things President Bolsonaro has been saying, and that will start a licensing stampede from both local companies and multinational operators.

However, it's not just about the operators. Regulation and the resulting investment from operators will also mean great opportunities throughout the supply chain. Operators have already discovered that a successful entry into a new market requires the development of a localized offering that appeals to the tastes of the players in that territory. So there will be significant demand for things like localized slots and live casino games, sports betting platforms, player acquisition tools, payment technology, and marketing services. It is a real opportunity for innovative local suppliers to grow, create jobs and generate tax revenue for governments.