INTERVIEWS
July 2026
Beyond the Final Whistle: Lessons from the FIFA World Cup 2026
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its final days, Matt Sahakian, iGaming consultant and advisor, shares his reflections on how the world's biggest sporting event extends far beyond the action on the pitch. In this opinion piece, he explores how the tournament has become a meeting point for sport, innovation, regulation and business, while highlighting the growing role of regulated sports betting markets across Latin America and football's unique ability to bring people together across cultures.
Regulation and the Black Market in Latin America: Challenges and Solutions
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).– As part of the Peru Gaming Show (PGS) 2026 conferences, gaming industry leaders analyzed one of the main challenges currently facing regulated markets in Latin America: the growth of illegal gambling. The panel "Regulation and the Black Market: Challenges and Solutions" brought together Carlos Fonseca, CEO of Gaming Law, as moderator; Neil Montgomery, founding partner of Montgomery & Associados; Tatiana Vásquez, founding partner of Vázquez Asociados; Karen Sierra Hughes, Vice President for Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain at GLI; and Vanessa Cabrera, Director of the Control and Sanction Directorate of the DGJCMT-MINCETUR, who debated the causes of the black market, the available regulatory tools, and strategies to strengthen channeling toward legal gaming in the region.
The World Cup as a Stress Test: What 90 Minutes of Live Betting Reveals About Your Platform
Drawing on his experience leading the development of technology platforms for the online gaming industry, Fernando Polti, Founder & CEO of Wizards, examines how the FIFA World Cup 2026 will put sports betting operators' infrastructure to the ultimate test. In this opinion piece, he explains why the real challenge will not be attracting more users, but responding with precision and stability to the extreme peaks in live betting activity that will determine the performance of every platform.
1xCare: Advancing Compliance in the Gambling Industry for a Safer Future
(Limassol, SoloAzar Exclusive).- As player protection becomes an increasingly important topic across regulated markets, 1xCare has officially launched as a non-profit initiative dedicated to responsible gambling. In an exclusive interview with SoloAzar, Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor to 1xBet and Chairperson of 1xCare, explains why the organization was created, how it will operate independently, and what role it aims to play in shaping a safer gambling ecosystem worldwide.
APADELA and the Future of Sports Betting in Peru Following Regulation
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- During the Peru Gaming Show 2026, Gonzalo Rosell, President of the Peruvian Association of Online Sports Betting and Related Activities (APADELA), analyzed the current state of the Peruvian remote gaming and sports betting market following the implementation of the regulatory framework. In his presentation, “Current Situation of the Remote Gaming and Sports Betting Industry Post-Regulation in Peru,” the executive highlighted the tax challenges facing the formal industry and called for a review of the selective consumption tax.
Beyond Compliance: New Challenges in Anti-Money Laundering for the Gaming Industry
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At Peru Gaming Show (PGS) 2026, Carlos Hermoza Horna, Founder & Managing Partner at CompliLab Legal Latam, delivered a conference focused on how anti-money laundering (AML) compliance in the gaming sector must evolve beyond regulatory obligations. His presentation highlighted the growing sophistication of financial crime, the importance of technology, and the need to build a genuine compliance culture across gaming organizations.
Matías Magallón, CEO of ALPS after PGS 2026: "The industry's conversations are becoming more mature"
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Following its participation at Peru Gaming Show 2026, ALPS CEO Matías Magallón discusses the company's objectives in Peru, the industry's evolving priorities and the opportunities emerging across Latin America.
At PGS 2026, MINCETUR Explained How to Handle a Regulatory Inspection: Rights and Obligations for Compliance
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- As part of Peru Gaming Show (PGS) 2026, one of the most important gaming industry events in Latin America, José Luis Pérez, Director of Organization and Registration at MINCETUR’s General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines, delivered a conference for land-based gaming operators. During his presentation, he explained the rights and obligations of license holders during regulatory inspections, detailed how inspectors carry out their duties, and emphasized the importance of fostering a strong culture of compliance to strengthen the regulated market.
Building Stronger Partnerships: Belatra at Peru Gaming Show
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Florencia Mendiuk, Account Manager LatAm at Belatra Games, shared her insights on the company’s participation in the Peru Gaming Show. From strategic preparation to cultural engagement, she highlighted how Belatra is shaping its footprint in the region and building long-term partnerships.