“We want to reproduce in Latin America our Spain multi-channel experience”

2016-10-13

Reading time 1:36 min

Sportium, the Spanish joint venture between CIRSA and Ladbrokes, recently arrived in Panama following an already successful experience in Mexico where it introduced its digital business last year. In an exclusive interview with Yogonet, CEO Alberto Eljarrat discussed the company’s adventure in Latin America where Colombia`s new gambling law, he said, represents an interesting “step forward” among current regional efforts pushing to set a legislative framework for the sector.

Why did Sportium choose Panama to start its sale operations in Latin America? What positive highlights does this market offer to betting operators?

Panama`s gambling market is perfectly regulated with a wide casino distribution network. One of Sportium’s marketable skills is the development of betting businesses in these gambling venues, offering an exceptional technology and secure operations, thus creating synergy among all parties: clients have access to an attractive betting offer, casinos make profit and increase traffic as they reach new consumers.

How many points of sale are you planning to open in Panama? Which casinos are you targeting?

Soon, we will be opening Sportium spaces in Albrook, Tocumen, Chorrera and Pueblos and we are working to include further locations to our network.

The Panama gambling industry has lately questioned the sector’s 5.5-percent tax. How do you think operators should fight that levy?

The 5.5-percent tax has negatively impacted on the gambling industry in Panama on a general basis. However, it has also posed a challenge to us when designing a strategy to attract new customers.

Sportium has also carried out operations in Mexico in the digital area. How do you assess the business there? Are you planning sale points in Mexico too?

Just like in Mexico and now in Panama, we want to reproduce in Latin America our Spain’s multi-channel experience where we are undisputed leaders in the sector with more than 2,000 points of sale. Furthermore, our communication strategy and our sponsorship policy of the main sport competitions boost our high profile

Which are the regional countries with the highest business potential for Sportium?

We are keeping a close watch on the legislative processes in all regional countries. Our plan is to keep growing in all jurisdictions that regulate sports betting and where we can identify business opportunities. In Colombia, for instance, the new gambling law is a step forward considering the pro-regulation process in regional countries. We celebrate it although the taxation system still prompts many questions.