This year’s G2E Las Vegas show was one of the best in the history of gaming, where industry global leaders exhibited new games and systems to visitors from all over the world, especially to a large Latin American contingent led by a strong Mexican presence. No doubt in anticipation and with optimism of improved regulatory changes, being debated right now in Mexico’s Lower House, that should bring organized development to the industry.
Below we report a preview of the debate at the Palacio de San Lázaro, which tells us about this chilli hot topic, and we hope to have a broader and happier report in our New Year 2015 Edition. We also have reports on changes in the law for Casinos in Nicaragua, and the agreement of cooperation between regulators of Bolivia and Spain.
And so we head to Colombia to see advances on installations of online slot machine control, and then on to Buenos Aires for SAGSE Latin America, that already mentions “crisis” in the preview. However, we’ll look at the interpretation of the Mandarin language, which sees crisis as a time of “dangerous opportunity”.
Bearing the fallout of the political changes by an ill-advised Administration in Argentina, this year’s SAGSE shows less exhibitors than usual, and for this, we must quote Henry V of England before the battle of Agincourt: “ We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…“, before their legendary triumph . And there we’ll be with the great Giorgio Gennari in SAGSE 2014. See you all there!
Strong international support for SAGSE Latin America
Closing a strong year for the industry, SAGSE Latin America gets ready to bring the gaming crowds to Buenos Aires. More than 20.000 invitations have been already sent and received all over the world. All the exhibitors have their booths prepared with exclusive designs and their marketing plans ready to attend 7000 industry professionals who will be attending this traditional trade show.
On November 11th, 12th and 13th, at the Costa Salguero Convention Centre, the 22nd edition of the region’s largest international exhibition in Latin America will be held in Buenos Aires. This is the time for Latin America’s most important gathering where gaming operators and manufacturers have “confirmed their commitment to meet” business contacts, and also for enjoying a few days in beautiful Buenos Aires, where the best deals are made savouring a good glass of Malbec, as languid and dramatic Tango sounds in the background.
Like other previous years, the Gaming Industry will also be able to attend some exclusive events like the first edition of SAGSE University, JCM Training, Global Gaming Women, and many more surprises.
The following companies have confirmed attendance to this year’s SAGSE show:
Aristocrat Technologies, BMC, Belatra Games, Bet Construct, Betradar, Boldt, Chemtronic, Cirilo Ayling, Copag, Dayco Gaming, DLV Perú, Ed Roberts, Electrochance, Euro Games, Every Matrix, Foster Casino Suppliers, Gaming Laboratories International, Goody group, , IGT – International Game Technology, Insert Coin, Intercron, JCM Global, Key Vigilant, Konami, Madex Game Engine, Manar Industries, Molina International, Multitech Games, Permaquim, Prosegur, Quini 6, Selton, Sielcon, Sirplay, Skilrock Technologies, The Bright Group, TransAct, UB Gaming, Unity Technologies, VEC Carpet Cleaner Austria, and Zitro, amongst many others.
MEXICO – Politicians once again consider gaming regulation
Mexico legislators are once again attempting to replace the old and ineffectual gaming law of 1947 and its ill-contrived regulations of 2004. With approval from the Mexican government’s gambling regulator SEGOB and from the gaming associations AIJA and APJSAC, politicians in the House of Representatives are currently debating gambling law solutions to radically change Mexico’s gambling scene. If the draft bill clears the House it will be the turn of the Senate to consider adopting the proposed law change.
The country’s gambling sector employs over 32,000 people and gaming revenues reach some US$10 billion annually without counting the money made in illegal operations. Under the draft proposals, the present gaming regulator will be transformed into the Instituto Nacional de Juegos y Sorteos (INJS) under a multi-sector consultative Council. The Council would consist of Ministers from Segob, Finance, Economics, Work, Health and Tourism as well as the Home Office.
Additional permanent members of the Council, although without a vote, will include the Attorney General, three representatives from the business, education or investigation sectors, plus three citizens designated by Segob. The Council will have power over the opening and closing of casinos, racetracks, fairs, dog tracks and other gambling activities. However, it will not control Mexican lotteries. The Council will nominate the Director of the new INJS.
The new law is seeking also to authorize the live gaming, which at present is operated under the grey areas of the actual law, or illegally, and has been declared by Segob officials to be uncontrollable at present. This means that roulette and card games would be properly regulated if the draft law is passed, contributing gaming taxes to the country.
NICARAGUA amends casino law
With a vote of 80 representatives in favour and one against, Nicaraguan lawmakers approved the reform to the country’s gaming law (Special Act for the Control and Regulation of Casinos), which was proposed by the Executive, passing control of the regulated gaming to the Ministry of Finance and the country’s financial analysis department, Unidad de Análisis Financiero (UAF), in the Central American country.
Up until now casino control in Nicaragua has been under INTUR, the country’s Institute of Tourism, as established by the July 2011 Casino Law No. 766. Early in September, the government presented a draft bill proposing to modify the law and place casino control under the Exchequer in view of casino businesses that move considerable cash in the country.
The new law creates the Casino Control Council set out to approve and modify lists of games and regulations for operations, as well as supervision of the collection of gaming taxes. The Council will meet at least once every three months. Another amendment in the new law will create the Office of Casinos and Gaming Businesses that will supervise and control the importation and manufacturing of all gambling equipment. This Office will appoint gaming inspectors and will have the power to close establishments that do not have the correct permits either temporarily or permanently
As the maximum authority of Nicaragua’s gaming industry, the Ministry of Finance will have the power to authorise, amend or cancel gaming licences and operating permits. It will also be able to confiscate and hold slot machines, table games, betting and wagering equipment seized as a consequence of administrative failures, legal infractions, debt or when ordered by a judge.
BOLIVIA- AJ sign cooperation agreement with Spanish regulators
Gaming authorities in Bolivia (AJ) and Spain (DGOJ) have signed an agreement for cooperation and exchange of knowledge in gambling matters. According to the agreement, investigation and an interchange of gaming themes will be enabled.
The Director of Bolivia’s AJ, Mario Cazón says this will include the design and application of programmes, studies and initiatives related to gaming in each country.
The agreement will remain in place for two years and will cover training, courses, roundtables and workshops that will benefit employees in both public services. Each year officials from both AJ and DGOJ will meet to agree a plan of action to implement their respective projects.
