Juegos Miami commits to local policies

Juegos Miami opens the debate on the future of local regulation and how to eliminate illegal gambling.

US.- As thought leaders from throughout the Latin American region prepare to attend the second edition of Juegos Miami (May 31 – June 2, The Biltmore, Miami), one of the main talking points, on what is a packed business agenda, will be the form that regulation should take in what is one of the industry’s most exciting and dynamic regions.

Luis Gama, President of supporting association CIBELAE, as well as the National Lottery of Uruguay, believes the best style of regulation is one that broadly balances the interests of the state and the rights of the bettor. He explained: “In our region, we have very different regulatory models and that means that we can take elements of other regulations that have had good results, but never fully implement a model in another jurisdiction. Our lotteries are making a more important effort to integrate the various regulations in force and, fundamentally, to let the different players know about the importance of having a good regulatory framework in the industry. Much work is being done in this line, despite the fact that – in my opinion – we must give greater speed to the different actions developed.”

He added: “With good regulation, we generate resources for the state, protect the rights of our citizens and eliminate illegal gambling. We will achieve this by working together and setting clear and concrete goals. The region has a very important potential and the signals that are being given are more open between both state organisations and private sector organisations. The best model will emerge from a serious, responsible and professional work that must be developed together and with the input of each of the parties involved. This is the way we must go.”

The importance of using regulation in order to stop illegal gaming, and in the process detoxify the industry, was echoed by Mariela Huenchumilla, Corporate Manager of Sun Dreams’ Responsible Gaming Division: “The best model is the one developed with the industry and not against it.” She said: “The business must be profitable at a medium term, based on EDITDA.  The regulatory models must be well determined to go against illegal gaming, together with clear and strict rules.”

Lawrence Levy, Vice President of Global Sales for Novomatic, highlights the importance of transparency and consistency. He stated: “The best models are in countries such as Peru and Panama that are well-structured and provide complete transparency, rather than countries where disjointed regulation exists without a clear framework.”

“Tax rates and licence fees need to be considered for both suppliers and operators so that investment in a particular region makes financial sense. Best practice examples should also be looked at in Europe, especially in terms of online gaming, where regulation in jurisdictions such as the UK and Spain allows for a competitive environment that breeds the best offering for players.”

Kate Chambers, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, believes that Juegos Miami is an ideal debating chamber for the key topics of the day. She stated: “Our vision was for Juegos Miami to be at the heart of all the main industry debates and to help foster international co-operation and business between nations. A sustainable gaming industry is one which is founded on fair, clear and enforceable regulations, which are business friendly and which have social responsibility at their core. By bringing together the gaming innovators, the thought leaders and the regulators at Juegos Miami, we have the opportunity to help create successful and sustainable gaming economies, in the process helping our stakeholders to implement a global gaming strategy.”

Juegos Miami features a powerful, strategic and hands-on learning programme presented alongside a line-up of inspirational exhibitors and sponsors. Attendance is limited to senior decision makers from operating companies as well as government and regulators from the Latin American and Caribbean region.