“Europe and US are at a standstill, but Latin America and Asia have left economic crisis behind”

Which are your expectations for G2E 2011?
The truth is that we are quite optimistic. The 2010 edition started showing signs of recovery and, since then, we have seen how certain regions, such as Latin America and Asia, have left the economic crisis behind. Operators of these two regions can be important driving forces for this edition.

What will the participation of the company consist of? 
This year we want to bet strong in two products. In the first place, we will show our 100% PVC plastic cards. Those cards are, for many people, the best of the world due to their resistance and durability. Besides, one of the star products of the company during 2011 are Pre-Shuffled cards. These cards are pre-shuffled by default, with a totally automatic and random shuffling, with a process certified by GLI lab.
Taking advantage of the fact that the event takes place in Las Vegas, I would like to encourage operators that visit the event to visit the casinos on the Strip, where they will be able to confirm how a great part of the casinos use our Pre-Shuffled cards in baccarat and blackjack games. In short, our bet this year, the same as in the past, is focused towards quality, segurity and casino profitability.

Do you think the change of date and venue will be beneficial? 
Well, until I do not see the share of this year, I do not dare giving an opinion. Anyway, if organizers have estimated that it is appropriate a change in the venue and date, it is because they think it will be beneficial for the event.

How did you see the gaming industry at a worldwide level this year? 
Certain regions such as Europe and US are at already at a standstill. The truth is that they are not too happy and they miss new projects and investments. On the other hand, as I said at the beginning, Latin America and Asia are in full commercial growth. Taking it to a micro-level, one of the sourprises that caught our attention the most has been the growth of the gaming industry in the Mexican market during 2011, although now everything is at a standstill due to the unfortunate facts occured some weeks ago.

Which has been the market performance in the target markets of your company? 
Our performance has been, in the first place, related to the economic performance of each region. Then, inside each market, we have grown, specially in the segment of 100% plastic cards. The use of shuffling machines and the popularization of poker seem to be behind this increment in the sales of 100% plastic cards. It is also important to remark the growth in the sales of Pre-Shuffled cards. At first, some operators were not very sure to adopt them as they were accustomed to show the cards to the customers before each play. But considering that our Pre-Shuffled cards are a product 100% secure and used by many operators during more than three years, have encouraged to take a leap. And once they are introduced in the table games they wonder why haven’t they done it before, because advantages in security and profitability are outstanding.
 
How does the economic crisis in US and Europe affect the gaming industry in particular?
Certainly, the crisis in Europe and US affects the sales of the gaming industry, because there are fewer openings of new casinos. Fortunately, for companies like us, with a global presence, the positive performance of other regions is boosting sales.

Which are the perspectives for 2012? 
It is hard to anticipate scenarios, although if US and Europe get out of the crisis in 2012, it will definitely be a very good year for us.