The Ibero-American Gaming Summit has established itself as an annual meeting event that promotes dialogue and collaboration between the different players in the industry. NOVOMATIC was invited to participate in recognition of its track record, experience and leadership in the international arena.

Max Bauer, VP of Latin America and the Caribbean at NOVOMATIC was invited to be part of the panel dedicated to “The Pandemic as a huge test for the productive fabric of the Economy, also in the gaming industry. Challenges to face in the context of recovery for the transformation of the industry ”where he referred to the importance of establishing firm alliances that promote collective construction between manufacturers, operators and regulators to face the changes and challenges of the industry. He emphasized the capitalization of experiences in other markets to streamline processes and implement improvements in the regional industry.

CAPITALIZE ON EXPERIENCE TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES

One of the examples that he used to illustrate his sayings was the approach that was given during the pandemic to the reopening of the rooms through the implementation of Sanitary Protocols. As is public knowledge, these protocols were mandatory and required by the Health Authorities for the reactivation of all activities. By then NOVOMATIC, with its headquarters in Austria and more than 2,000 gaming operations in the old continent, had already implemented different protocols addressing the requirements of European jurisdictions. Within this framework, the Latin American subsidiaries of the Austrian company drafted a document combining the main aspects and already proven practices. This Unified Sanitary Protocol was delivered to the highest authorities of government agencies in order to collaborate and expedite the drafting of the final Protocols that subsequently led to the reopening of gambling operations in Latin America.

In another context, it should be noted that NOVOMATIC adopted a similar position when various countries in the region sought to design and develop a new regulatory and tax framework for the activity through the implementation of online control systems in gaming halls. NOVOMATIC made its IT professionals with vast experience in management systems available to carry out the task organically and efficiently. Thus, it organized various workshops and meetings where the authorities raised their doubts about the available tools and their functionalities.

A FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITIES

During the event, one of the main topics was the analysis of the international market and its projection in Latin America, as well as the challenges and opportunities that this poses in terms of regulation. In addition, the upcoming challenges in terms of innovation and competitiveness were addressed, paying special attention to technological trends and the need to adapt to a constantly evolving environment.

Finally, the social impact of the sector was discussed. Within this framework, the participants reflected on the importance of promoting corporate social responsibility and adopting effective measures to promote responsible gaming practices and guarantee the protection of players, especially in the most vulnerable sectors.

“In gaming, technology is usually ahead of regulations. In LATAM, we should exploit this “window to the future” much more, said Max Bauer. The executive raised the existence of multiple solutions already tested in the European market that could be replicated in LATAM. An example of this is the management system based on biometric technology owned by the firm called NOVOVISION. “This year, NOVOMATIC will take advantage of all the meetings with its Latin American customers to publicize unprecedented solutions in the region that broaden the range of possibilities and the knowledge of industry players and bring new paradigms that allow greater development in all the possible aspects” he concluded.

SUMMIT

The 7th Ibero-American Gaming Summit, under the slogan "A Future of Opportunities", took place on May 16 and 17, 2023 at the prestigious Hotel Riu Plaza Panamá, in Panama City. This event brought together the main representatives of the sector in Latin America, including regulators from 12 countries, with the purpose of strengthening the exchange of information and promoting the debate on key issues of our activity.

"Initiatives such as the 7th Ibero-American Gaming Summit allow us to collaborate in the collective construction of a promising and responsible future," said José Casapía Bardales, Manager of Inter-institutional Relations at NOVOMATIC, when consulted by the event. "Reviewing and reformulating paradigms is essential to be consistent with the evolution of our activity and above all to be a permanent part of the socio-economic development of today's world." he added

NOVOMATIC's outstanding participation in the 7th Ibero-American Gaming Summit reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting innovation, social responsibility and the creation of safe and exciting gaming experiences for players in the region.

LIST OF REGULATORS THAT PARTICIPATED:

ARGENTINA

• Martín García Santillán, President of the Buenos Aires Gambling Institute.
• IDA LOPEZ, President of the Provincial Institute of Games and Casinos of Mendoza.

BOLIVIA

• Jessica Paola Saravia Atristain, Executive Director of the Authority for the Taxation and Social Control of Gambling.

CHILE

• Rodrigo Ajenjo Martínez, Head of the Study Unit of the Superintendency of Gaming Casinos

COLOMBIA

• Henry Jair García Gonzales, Director of COLJUEGOS

COSTA RICA

• Esmeralda Britton Gonzales, President of the JPS

ECUADOR

• Beatriz Elena Hengo Vergara, Manager of the Guayaquil National Charity Lottery
• Rosa María Muñoz, Manager of the Guayaquil National Charity Lottery

EL SALVADOR

• Roberto Carlos Javier Milián Vásquez, President of the National Charity Lottery and President of CIBELAE

MEXICO

• Miguel Angel Ochoa Sánchez, President of AIEJA of Game Operators and Providers

PANAMA

• Manuel Sánchez Ortega, Executive Secretary of the Gaming Control Board

PARAGUAY

• Bladismir Arce Cáceres, General Coordinator of CONAJZAR Inspection

PERU

• Eduardo Sevilla Echevarría, General Director of Casino Games and Slot Machines

PORTUGAL

• Luis Felipe Coelho, Director of the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service

PUERTO RICO

• Jaime Rivera Emmanuelli, Acting Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission