INTERVIEWS
September 2026
The true size of gray or illegal gambling by companies and casinos in Mexico
The gaming and sweepstakes sector in Mexico is going through a crucial moment of consolidation and expansion. While the regulated market is experiencing steady growth driven by technological adoption and major sporting events, the industry faces a persistent challenge: the presence of the gray market and crime from illegal operations. Gerardo Ballesteros Félix Díaz, helps us to understand the dimensions of this phenomenon.
SBC Summit 2026: The Premier Exhibition for iGaming Leaders Starts Today
(Lisbon, SoloAzar Exclusive) - From September 29 to October 1, Lisbon becomes the global epicenter of iGaming and sports betting. Held at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and the MEO Arena, SBC Summit 2026 brings together industry giants in an event designed to redefine the future of entertainment, technology, and sports business.
LatAm Regulators Discussed Illegal Gambling and Innovation at SiGMA North America
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The panel "The Red Pen Forum: Regulators Respond to the Industry," held during SiGMA North America 2026, brought together representatives from Uruguay, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Honduras to analyze regulatory challenges, digital transformation, illegal gambling, and the need to adapt lotteries for new generations. The conference was moderated by Rodrigo Cigliutti, Executive Director of CIBELAE (Ibero-American Corporation of State Lotteries and Betting), and featured the participation of Marcelo Visconti, National Director of Lotteries and Quinielas of Uruguay; Carlos Moyano, President of IAFAS Entre Ríos, Argentina; Heidi Hernández Olivo, Deputy Secretary of the Puerto Rico Lottery; and Lissa Mencía, General Director of Lottery Operations and Games at Loto Honduras.
Sportradar’s Eduardo Lobato on SBC Summit 2026 and the Future of Sports Betting
(St Gallen, SoloAzar Exclusive).- As the global betting and gaming industry sets its sights on the SBC Summit, SoloAzar caught up with Eduardo Lobato, Enterprise Client Partner Lead at Sportradar. With around 40,000 professionals gearing up for the massive event at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena, Lobato shares an exclusive inside look at Sportradar's strategic goals.
Jordi Sendra, CEO of Alea: "Latin America is one of our most important regions"
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The CEO of Alea analyzes the company's participation in SiGMA North America, the potential of Mexico and Brazil and the growth opportunities in North America and Latin America. It also reviews the new features presented during the event, including the new sportsbook vertical and Alea Jackpot.
SiGMA North America Examines the VIP Revenue Paradox
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At SiGMA North America 2026 in Mexico City, the conference “The VIP Paradox: Emotional Intelligence vs. Revenue Pressure” brought together Beatriz Melges, Regional Director at BetConstruct AI; Rodrigo Ripol, Business Development Officer at AHIS; Erick Sapien, Country Manager at BC.GAME; and Thomas Carvalhaes, Founder and CEO of TC iGaming Advisors LATAM, to examine the balance between VIP management, revenue generation, player protection and emotional intelligence.
Manuel Jiménez, CEO of SoluestBet: "Mexico is a priority market for us"
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Manuel Jiménez, CEO of SoluestBet, analyzed his visit to SiGMA North America and highlighted the priority role of Mexico as a gateway between Latin America and North America. The executive also pointed out the opportunities for suppliers that manage to combine technology, commercial structure and solid relationships with operators in the region.