Why do you think that, after so many years, there have not been improvements for a more complete gaming regulation in Mexico?
As it happens in every country, the market usually goes faster than legislation, and Mexico is not the exception. Regulation 2004 led to an accelerated expansion of the gambling market. Technology in this industry has improved very fast and now regulation requires an update, and that is being revised (by the government, legislators and businessmen) and will probably be updated during 2009.
Some rumors talk about a possible authorization of Class III slots. It this true?
As a consequence of a market evolution, traditional bingo halls were allowed five years ago. Then, technology allowed the installation of online bingo terminals in which people can play bingo at a great speed (Terminals similar to North American Class II). Now, the market is evolving again to so-called Class III Terminals. We are updating, according to what is legal, the authorizations so our associates may install and operate terminales very similar to Class III.
Do you think that casino installation will boost tourism?
Today we have gambling venues in every tourist center in Mexico. The only thing that these gambling halls lack in order to be like typical casinos are table games. If law was changed and these games were allowed, we would probably have an increment in the expenditure of foreign tourists in these tourist centers.
What do you think of the organization of two trade events in Mexico for the gambling industry? Which has been its evolution since the first edition of ELA, that took place in 2008?
I consider that events such as the one held in Monterrey last year, are exhibitions of equipments in which operators have the chance to see the novelties offered by providers. ELA Monterrey was very well organized and now, due to the information we have, ELA 2009 is meant to be a success again. We are worried about Gammex; the information that appears in its web page indicates that they are having difficulty to attract all the exhibitors that would make that show a successful event.
The Association I am honored to lead and which represents the 85% of the industry, is not in the business of organizing events. We would like both events to be successful, however, we consider that in the current market situation, the organization of one event in Mexico would be more convenient.