“In Colombia, it has just appeared a situation that augurates a positive change for the national industry”

What balance can you make of 2011?
The events organized by 3A Producciones in 2011 were the Andean Games of Chance Event (FADJA) and the International Gaming Congress (CIJUEGO). The first one has 13 years of tradition in Colombia, while CIJUEGO has been performed two years in a row. Both achieved their aims and strenghtened their position in the international gaming industry.

FADJA 2011 was the epicenter of the Andean Industry. The most important exhibiting brands have concentrated in Pavilions 4 and 9 of Corferias, Bogota. There, they presented their novelties and releases in products and services before operators and buyers from the whole Colombia and the American continent. This way, they facilitated a direct commercial Exchange with their customers, boosting the growth in the sector. The response from the couple buyers-sellers was so positive, that it has motivated us to stregthen interactive bonds between each other, implementing novelties in communications and marketing for the next version.

In the second CIJUEGO edition, national operators from Peru were gathered with the aim to bring them updated academic tools in marketing, online systems and a complete balance of the results of MINCETUR labout as a government entity of the sector.

CIJUEGO Peru 2011 presented a show that was held at the same time as the conferences, in which around 30 manufacturers and distributors were present.  As a novelty, Last June 6-7 it was also held within the event the I Latin American Summit of Games of Chance Associations, an initiative leaded by SONAJA and the main associations of Peruvian operators.

How did you see the gaming industry in general in a year in which the global economic crisis affected several international markets?
The economic crisis and the instability of several countries with regards to legislation affected, in a large extent, the gaming industry. This fact was perceived in the different events organized by the industry in different parts of the world. However, by the end of the year, specifically in Colombia, it has just appeared a situation that augurates a positive change for the industry of the country.

The Colombian government has just ordered the creation of COLJUEGOS, a new regulatory entity, with the aim to pass from a collection of us$ 206 million to us$ 1 billion, in taxes allocated to health. It will enable the creation of new companies in this sector of the economy and the expansion of those currently operating.

The implementation process of the online control systems and the need of replacement of around 80,000 machines will enable to improve the quality operational standards in Colombia. There is there the important industry of the Andean Region must have a central role in this upcoming change.

Which are the plans of the company for 2012? What novelties are you preparing?
The early commercialization of the two events for the following year, at mid December, can be considered a success.

FADJA 2012 will be held in April, where national operators will gather directors and representatives of the new regulatory entity to discuss key issues for the future of the games of chance industry in Colombia.

Once again, FADJA will be the most productive and lively event of the region! With the organization of Miss Gaming Colombia, the contest of the prettiest casino representatives in the country, working for the people in need, according to the slogan “Beauty with Social Responsibility”.

In its third edition, next June, CIJUEGO Peru will grow a 20% and has chosen new Hotel Westin, in Lima Convention Center, to host visitors and international exhibitors, speakers, directors of associations and operators of the Peruvian games of chance industry from different regions of the country. Novelties will be focused in a high-level academic component, with top training, specially necessary in a market with a great dynamics and continuous growth with the implementation of online gaming in Peru, with several systems certified by the regulatory entity. Besides, within the event, it will be held Miss Gaming Peru for the second consecutive year.

How do you see 2012 for the gaming industry in general? Will it be similar to 2011? Do you think there will be a growth in the activity?
I am convinced about this, I see it with much optimism. Definitely, I think there will be a growth in the activity, mainly in Colombia and Peru, which are, together with Argentina, the leaders in Latin America.