"ICE is not just an event Latin America attends — it’s one that listens to and learns from Latin America"

Latin America has become one of the gaming industry’s most dynamic regions, reshaping global conversations around regulation, innovation, and sustainable market growth. As ICE prepares for its second edition in Barcelona, the region’s influence is stronger than ever, with operators, regulators, and suppliers across LatAm stepping into a central role in defining the event’s strategic direction.

To understand how ICE is amplifying Latin America’s presence and responding to the region’s growing demand for visibility and cooperation, Yogonet spoke with Liliana Costa, LatAm Liaison at Clarion Gaming. In this interview, she breaks down the initiatives, partnerships, and long-term vision guiding LatAm’s participation at ICE 2026.

ICE is a major international event. How important is the Latin American gaming industry in the planning and development of the show, and in what ways will the region be represented next year?

Over the past decade, Latin America has become a key region for the global gaming industry — not only for its growth potential but for the sophistication of its regulatory and technological development. For ICE, the Latin American market plays a central role in shaping the event’s strategic agenda, content, and networking opportunities.

We work closely with regulators, operators, suppliers, and associations across the region to ensure their voices are represented. At ICE Barcelona, Latin America will have an even stronger presence — from national pavilions and dedicated panels to a growing number of high-level delegates from Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

ICE is not just an event Latin America attends — it’s one that listens to and learns from Latin America.

What is ICE’s strategic vision to strengthen participation from Latin American companies and professionals? What specific initiatives are being developed to attract operators, regulators, and suppliers from the region to Barcelona?

Our goal is for ICE to evolve from being a global showcase into a true international hub — a meeting point where every region contributes knowledge, shapes policy, and builds business connections.

For Latin America, this includes:

• Specially designed agendas for legislators, regulators, and operators addressing local challenges and investment opportunities.

• A private, invitation-only space off the main show floor for high-level meetings and institutional networking.

• Strategic partnerships with associations such as CIBELAE, ALEA, ABRAGAMING, and other key regional bodies.

• Targeted programs for emerging markets — especially Brazil — connecting local stakeholders with international investors and suppliers.

What are the main highlights of the ICE 2026 Latin America Agenda?

The ICE 2026 Latin America Agenda focuses on five key areas:

1. Brazil’s regulatory transition, with panels on the country’s new betting and iGaming framework.

2. Cross-border cooperation, showcasing best practices from Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

3. Digital transformation and localization, covering AI, payments, and player protection within local contexts.

4. Sustainable market growth, discussing responsible gaming and advertising standards.

5. Institutional leadership roundtables, connecting Latin American and European regulators for closer collaboration.

ICE has previously hosted events in South America, particularly in Brazil. There is currently no regional agenda. Do you plan to return to Latin America with new events? How do you evaluate Brazil’s potential within ICE?

ICE has a long-standing engagement with Latin America — from past events in Brazil and Colombia to ongoing content partnerships with local associations. While 2026 focuses on consolidating ICE Barcelona as the global epicenter, we continue to explore regional formats that could bring ICE back closer to emerging markets.

Brazil stands out as a unique opportunity. With its regulatory progress and market scale, it’s set to become a future pillar of the global gaming landscape. For ICE, Brazil is not just a destination but a driving force in shaping the global gaming conversation.

What was the level of Latin American representation at the last edition, and what expectations do you have for 2026? How does ICE help position Latin American companies in a competitive global environment?

At the last edition, nearly every Latin American country was represented, with strong delegations from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru. Brazil — amid its regulatory transformation — is expected to have a much larger presence in 2026.

Regional stakeholders are navigating a period of transition and uncertainty:

• Regulatory complexity, with new frameworks and tax models.

• Pressure from illegal markets, affecting public perception.

• Institutional fragmentation, with multiple associations and regulators.

• Need for international visibility for local companies and authorities.

• Information gaps in reliable data and best practices.

ICE directly addresses these challenges by offering:

• A neutral, credible platform for dialogue and coordination.

• Exclusive market intelligence and comparative insights.

• Direct connections with regulators, policymakers, and global partners.

• Visibility and recognition for Latin America’s leadership within the global gaming ecosystem.

ICE is where Latin America meets the world — and where the world discovers Latin America’s gaming potential.