iGaming Business magazine iGB issue 104 - Latin American Focus 2017 | Page 2

LATIN AMERICAN FOCUS 2017
WHAT’S THE BEST MODEL
FOR REGULATION IN LATIN AMERICA?
Ahead of this years’ Juegos Miami conference, iGaming Business and TotallyGaming have partnered to interview some of the
gaming industry’s leading lights in Latin America and talk about the best model for regulation in the region and how to get there.
Luis Gama, president of CIBELAE and
the National Lottery of Uruguay
“I believe that the best regulation is one
that contemplates the interests of the state
and the rights of the bet tor. In our region,
we have very different regulatory models;
that means we can take elements of other
regulations that have had good results
and incorporate them into other
jurisdictions’ models.
Our lotteries are making an 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
on this, despite the fact that in my opinion
there must be greater speed given to the
different actions developed.
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 increasingly
positive between both state organisations
and private sector organisations.
The best model will emerge from serious,
responsible and professional work that must
be developed together and with the input of
each of all the parties involved. This is the
way we must go.”
Mariela Huenchumilla, corporate
manager of Sun Dreams’ responsible
gaming division
“The best model is one that is developed
in partnership with the industry and
not against it. The business must be
profitable medium term, with a taxation
model that is based on EDITDA. The
regulatory models must be well designed
to fight illegal gaming, together with clear
and strict rules.”
Tiburcio Perdomo, commercial director
for the National Lottery of the
Dominican Republic
“Online lotteries, social and mobile
gaming are now a reality in the region, and
effective responsible gambling, anti-money
laundering policies – as well as the fight
against illegal gaming – are all achievements
to be highlighted.The best regulatory
model for the sector in the region will be
determined by joint legislation (drawn up
by regulators and industry stakeholders)
that can be implemented.”
Luis Gama, Mariela Huenchumilla and Tiburcio Perdomo will be speaking at Juegos Miami, May 31 – June 2.
To apply for a place at the C-level event, register at www.juegosmiami.com
2 | iGamingBusiness | Latin American Focus | May/June 2017
Anna Shahbazyan, BetConstruct
regional director, Uruguay
“The best regulation is a clear legislation –
one that is fair to the players, operators,
providers and the government. The way
to reach that is with all parties involved
being in constant communication, and
thinking what is the best compromise
they can make where each party feels like
a winner.”
Lawrence Levy, vice president of
global sales for Novomatic
“There are various regulatory frameworks
in play throughout Latin America that differ
from country to country. 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.”