“This is an interesting time in the gaming industry in many jurisdictions, because there are regulatory changes taking place”

What were the key notes for GLI’s presence in the recent edition of ICE 2016?

ICE is a stimulating global show because it is so well balanced between land-based and iGaming sectors. This means that GLI was able to showcase our entire range of knowledge and services in our meetings with suppliers, regulators, operators.

This is an interesting time in the gaming industry in many jurisdictions, because there are regulatory changes taking place, improving existing regulations or to create new gaming laws. In addition, some jurisdictions are in discussions to allow new and different types of gaming. These situations laid a groundwork for some very thought-provoking discussions. These discussions were aided by the fact that GLI had representatives from many of our global locations, so we were able to provide our expertise and insights from multiple perspectives.

These discussions further emphasized the point that, while the gaming industry knows GLI as the leading company for unsurpassed testing, we also are the leading source for many services beyond testing, such as our wide range of professional services, security testing, auditing, rule-writing, the GLI Standards Series, and our many tools that help regulators do their jobs more efficiently, such as GLiCloud.

The LatAm readers of Yogonet may be interested to know that at ICE there was a tremendous amount of talk and investigation from suppliers and operators who are looking for opportunities in markets in the region, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and understanding the evolving situation in Argentina.

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We are already working with regulators in Nevada in testing skill-based games

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The growing market for online gaming was emphasized again in ICE, which included developing companies around the world. What consultations and common topics did you find part of the company in this segment?

The number of companies coming into the online market is staggering. This where GLI plays a key role in understanding their needs and the direction they want to take in various markets. We ensure a better understanding of the requirements and how to provide solutions that make sense and are competitive. With the evolution of the iGaming industry and many jurisdictions developing regulations, these companies are now looking to understand the submission process to get their product approved, either to enter regulated jurisdictions or to secure business partners with other companies that require a level of compliance. The request for GLI 19 evaluation was one of the main topics discussed. With GLI 19, suppliers can achieve the entrance to jurisdictions with minimal additional testing and certification efforts. There was topical discussion about regulatory changes on the horizon, emerging markets in Europe and Latin America. The great thing was that we had our range of global experts on hand to discuss any jurisdiction globally.

Convergence is getting bigger and bigger, and that is where certifications that have global recognition are also a key component that allows for faster time to market and local recognition of the testing laboratory.

In many cases, it is not only the technical expertise that GLI has which is valued by our customers, but also the understanding and knowledge of the legislation of the 475 jurisdictions around the world that recognize GLI as a consultancy and testing laboratory. Having this ability allows cost effective solutions to be provided while reducing time to market.

What are the main challenges when thinking about the “younger players”?

Several jurisdictions and suppliers are approaching this topic. Younger players are seeking new and innovative games along with skill-based gaming, other are considering a combination of these and other factors. Several jurisdictions are moving proactively, such is the case with skill-based gaming in Nevada, for example. From the lab’s perspective, we are ready and able to assist regulators with independent advice and provide for their testing needs, and we are already working with regulators in Nevada in testing skill-based games.

How is GLI positioned in Europe, and which countries are particularly attractive as an expansion market for the year ahead?

GLI is very well positioned in Europe, and in each of the 475 jurisdictions the company serves. Our goal is to be ready to provide the foremost service to all our clients, suppliers, regulators, operators, independently of their region, size or area of the gaming and lottery industry. We have been preparing ourselves to become so much more than just testing, and we are ready to continue to do so and to continue to be the trusted partner in the path of success of our clients. As for which countries are attractive as an expansion market, we will leave that up to the industry to decide; however, we can say, that in our labs around the world, we are expanding our staffing levels and in many cases our physical footprint so that we can stay ahead of client demand.

How do you expect the Latin America market will develop this year after great changes experienced in 2015 in Colombia, Argentina and other core markets, and which countries are most attractive to you?

Colombia created great expectation as the jurisdiction released in December their draft for the Regulation of iGaming. This and the Virtual Sports betting operation were one of the main discussions during our meetings with suppliers and operators worldwide, that sees Colombia as their opportunity to enter the LatAm market and expand from there. There were many iGaming and Virtual Sports providers, and it made sense that the demand for information on this very important regulatory development in the region, was going to be a protagonist in our conversations.

Brazil is also creating expectative, with the advances on the Project of Law to legalize gambling in the jurisdiction and the new Lottery game that Caixa will operate in 2016 (Lotex). There is no doubt about the potential that the Brazilian market represents for the gaming industry globally.

Mexico continues to be an interesting market, and there is also a lot of interest from our customers to understand the status and scope of the new Gaming Law that continues in discussion in the Congress.

The political changes in Argentina and the possible advances on the regulation of the iGaming operations in the country were also discussed.

GLI sees opportunities in all the jurisdictions, each of them with their own particularities. Some of the LatAm jurisdictions are well established with ample regulations, but the advance of the technology creates also new opportunities for the industry where regulations and controls will need to be adapted. Jurisdictions that are still looking to determine their path to better control and authorize gaming operations are also part of our scope of work, as we work with those in facilitating crucial information that will help them determine their own regulations taking in consideration the experience of similar jurisdictions. We provide the same level of service to every single jurisdiction around the world and in LatAm, and our experience and local knowledge allow us to bring a local focus while supporting the Regulators.