ELA 2013 was postponed in Mexico City

Events of this kind are already being organised very successfully throughout Europe.

After consulting with several leading figures from the sector, the organisers took the decision based on a series of reasons. The first is the uncertainty of the political situation in Mexico, after a new government led by Enrique Peña Nieto took over on 1 December last.

PRI, a centre-left party, replaces Felipe Calderón's rightist PAN party. This means that the country in general, and gaming in particular, can expect some drastic changes, and it is well to be alert.

The SEGOB, or Mexican Home Ministry, responsible for all gaming in the country, has prioritised the fight against organised violence in Mexico, and the subject of gaming barely merits a mention in the agenda of the new minister, Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong.

Moreover, the serious repercussions of the boycott of the most recent edition of the event by APJSAC, one of Mexican two major associations of gaming operators, are still being felt. Their refusal to attend seems to have been based on some rather unfortunate statements made by rival association AIEJA before the inauguration of the 2012 event.

The constant bickering between the two associations is enormously detrimental to the Mexican gaming sector and, unfortunately, no end looms near. "In view of the situation, we have decided that it may be better to take a sabbatical, and leave ELA for another year", explained an ELA spokesman.
The dates for ELA 2014 have already been booked - 14 and 15 May.