Illegal gambling and the need to create forward-thinking regulation among the hot topics at Juegos Miami 2017

2017-06-01

Reading time 1:31 min

During a panel discussion at the second Juegos Miami, regulators from Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia analyzed the challenges facing the Latin American gaming industry. Nearly all of them agreed that it is necessary to create an up-to-date regulatory framework that provides a safe and transparent environment for development.

Chaired by GLI's Karen Sierra, the panel examined the hot topics on the gaming agenda including the threat of illegal gambling, and the need for new legislation that allows for a more efficient control of gambling-related activities.

According to Luis Gama, President of CIBELAE and the Uruguay National Lottery, "it is necessary to create a forward-thinking regulatory framework across the region to ensure better conditions for stakeholders."

CONAJZAR President Javier Balbuena agreed, adding, "if we aim to protect our industry, strong cooperation is required to tackle illegal gambling.

"We are aware of the challenges ahead, as we move to advance the gaming industry. Despite lobbying efforts to slow our growth, we are committed to working for the people."

Commenting on the Colombian market, COLJUEGOS' Liliana Viveros, said, "illegal gambling is critical for the industry. At the moment, we are working with several organizations and law enforcement officials to provide real and effective solutions."

Viveros also unveiled that the country will announce the first online sports betting licenses in a few days. "We received more than 60 offers from people interested in providing online gaming services in Colombia. I expect seven licenses to go operational by the end of year. All the stakeholders wishing to start doing business in Colombia will be able to apply for a gaming license, as long as they comply with legal requirements."

Even though Argentina has seen great progress in combating illegal gambling, Josefina Canale, President of the Instituto Provincial de Loterias y Casinos de Mendoza, stated, "Given the election year, the introduction of new bills on a federal and national level has been stalled at the moment. For this reason, we are actively working to launch new efforts next year."

"Illegal gambling means less resources for the state and unfair competition for stakeholders, not to mention it poses a dangerous threat to the community," noted Balbuena.

Regarding the long-awaited online gaming regulation, Gama said, "People need to fully realize the complexity of achieving online gaming regulation in the short term."