“The formula is simple: blend the magic of Cartagena with the financial muscle of the gaming industry. And it's working: attendees reported making new, high-value business contacts during the cultural tours,” say the fair's organizers, who aim to replicate this networking model with cultural immersion throughout the GAT circuit, organizing tours of the city's most notable sites with business leaders from the gaming sector prior to the show.

“This is not corporate tourism,” clarifies José Anibal Aguirre, the company's CEO. “Transforming contacts into real opportunities is easier through authentic cultural immersion: exploring the city not as tourists, but as potential partners, discovering the local and regional DNA.”

“Each stop was a natural setting for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships. This tour proved to be the best way to get to know each other and integrate in a relaxed yet meaningful environment,” Aguirre stated.

Highlights from GAT Expo Cartagena 2025:

From Mexico to Argentina, passing through Colombia, the GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 academic event, which took place on April 28, established itself as a key space for debating and projecting the present and future of the gaming and entertainment industry in Latin America.

-With more than 300 in-person attendees and an active virtual audience, the event brought together 40 experts who shared views and data on regulation, innovation, sustainability, and industry growth.

-Colombia took center stage with a speech by Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié, who highlighted the sector's historical contributions to healthcare and its sustained growth thanks to online gaming.

-The impact of new tax measures was discussed, with Fecoljuegos calling for a rethinking of decisions that affect an industry that is key to the economy.

The regional tour addressed topics such as:

• The new gaming law in Mexico
• Emerging regulations in Puerto Rico and El Salvador
• Investment opportunities in the Caribbean and the role of associations such as CIBELAE, Cornazar, Asojuegos, and Fedelco
• Data analytics in land-based casinos
• The rise of eSports and its inclusion in the National Sports System in Colombia
• The closing ceremony was led by Juan Carlos Restrepo (Asojuegos), who reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and union representation as a way to build lasting consensus.

70 International Companies at GAT 2025

-More than 70 global brands from the gaming sector are participating in the exhibition, with an emphasis on slot machines, roulette wheels, and cutting-edge land-based casino equipment.

-Online platforms, sports betting, live casino, online poker, virtual games and lotteries, and the eSports revolution.

Some highlights from the show:

- The long-awaited announcement of the GAT Esports-Colombian Olympic Committee alliance leading up to the 2027 eSports Olympic Games.
- Keynote panels: Regulation in Mexico, progress in Puerto Rico, and eSports: the future of the game.
- Technology: Companies such as Amusnet and IGT Play Digital revealed key insights for retaining players and maximizing performance.