Canada
“There are almost too many exciting markets to choose from!”: Exclusive interview with R Franco on the latest developments in LatAm.
As the winter season draws to a close in Latin America, we sat down with Ruben Loeches, CMO at R Franco Digital to talk through the continent’s latest developments and its COVID comeback. With such a fast-growing collection of markets, there’s certainly plenty of opportunity to be had …
Aside from Brazil, in your view, what are LatAm’s most exciting markets nearing regulation?
LatAm is such a dynamic developing region there are almost too many exciting markets to choose from! Panama, Puerto Rico, and Argentina are countries we’ve been keeping a close eye on when it comes to future regulation – with the continent’s rapid tech adoption offering a boon of potential for iGaming.
Do you believe this year’s events are likely to speed up expected online regulation?
The unprecedented situation in which the market has found itself has highlighted that expediting online regulation is now a necessity, and I believe regulators are coming around to that frame of mind.
Across the world there has been a noticeable shift of players moving online, because ultimately, gambling is entertainment and players still want to play. This forward-thinking approach can be seen in Colombia, where live casino, bingo and scratchcards were all regulated in record time during lockdown – and we really commend such a pro-active move from ColJuegos.
From your experience – what should companies looking to enter the continent avoid doing?
The key to entering any market is to do your research and never underestimate the importance of joining forces with a local partner. Complacency and the entering the LatAm market with a “one size fits all” notion is a sure-fire route to failure. What may have proved successful in some markets is by no means a barometer of how to engage with new ones.
Localisation is key to building a presence in LatAm, and in a market so diverse, it’s important to understand that each and every region is a separate entity and should be treated as such.
From your marketing expertise, what are the keys to Latin American success when it comes to entering new markets?
Adapting to the latest developments in technology is always a crucial determinant of success. In a market such as Colombia’s, where bettors have become accustomed to the land-based sector, it is critical to provide an omni-channel offering.
Any company entering a new market should understand that having a well-researched and bespoke approach is the key element to success. LatAm is a melting pot of diverse countries inside of which many have their own idiosyncrasies. Take a look at Paraguay’s list of recognised languages if you’d like to have a hint!
Accordingly, there are a raft of cultural, governmental and regulatory aspects to take into consideration which can vastly differ, not just from country to country, but even from state to state.
Do Latin American players have different preferences to their counterparts elsewhere? If so, how?
Many LatAm players have an affinity for slots and are used to RTPs being lower given the inherent higher margins in retail. We’ve also noticed the popularity of in-play sports betting as technology becomes more advanced. Of course, they also have their own sports, such as beach football in Brazil, but the layers are now branching out from their preferred games and trying new verticals since the postponement of many live events due to lockdown.
How has the shift changed between land-based and online players, given the region’s strong land-based heritage?
The pandemic has certainly sped up online adoption with players finding new ways to bet. Though with the heritage and affinity many land-based and retail fans have, they will likely return once the situation becomes safe to do so.
While some players are now enjoying the new online experience, innovation is not exclusive to the online sector, and there are plenty of land-based suppliers eagerly awaiting the vertical’s return ready to incorporate what they have learned during the lockdown period. Ultimately, I believe the pandemic will see an increase in players who enjoy betting both in-person and online – and in the long term, I think that will be of benefit to the sector as a whole.
What online games are proving to be the biggest pull for land-based players to try online?
The reality of the pandemic has shown that companies must seek out creative opportunities to entertain their land-based fans and many have introduced new betting products. Live dealer games have been hugely successful as they deliver that interaction many land-based fans still miss. While COVID-19 affected many changes, I believe the sector will grow in all areas including retail and in physical outlets.
And last but not least, what’s your advice to retail operators there currently looking to weather the pandemic? How can R Franco help LatAm operators?
My advice is very simple. They must take the necessary steps to provide their customers with an online offering. For operators looking to do so in the LatAm markets, on-boarding a partner with regional expertise and experience is a must.
It’s an unavoidable reality that digital betting is not a substitute for getting in on the action in-person. Most retail operators have a deep and extensive knowledge of their own sector. The online environment, however, is a different animal altogether, and they would be well advised to find a partner who can help take them on that journey.
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AGCO
AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casino’s gaming floor.
On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.
In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.
As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.
Based on the findings of its review, the AGCO’s Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.
A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.
“Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.
The post AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
International Game Technology PLC announced that its subsidiary, IGT Canada Solutions ULC (hereinafter “IGT”), signed an eight-year agreement with Atlantic Lottery to supply its IntelligenEVO video lottery central system technology across Atlantic Canada. The agreement includes the option for multiple extensions and positions the Atlantic Lottery to become the first World Lottery Association (WLA)-affiliated lottery operator to deploy IGT’s next-generation central management system in a game-to-system (G2S) distributed market.
“By leveraging IGT’s IntelligenEVO technology, Atlantic Lottery will power its video lottery network with the industry’s best-in-class central system and position itself to maximize future contributions to good causes. As an organization that prioritizes system security and exceptional player experiences, Atlantic Lottery believes that IGT’s IntelliegnEVO solution will help generate high player satisfaction and optimal network performance,” said Michael MacKinnon, Atlantic Lottery VP, Product.
“As a long-time supplier to Atlantic Lottery, IGT looks forward to helping the Lottery achieve its growth and player engagement goals with our leading-edge IntelligenEVO video lottery central system. IGT’s IntelligenEVO is a scalable technology for the WLA market that is backed by decades of experience and operator feedback, and maximizes the benefits of real-time data, cloud-based technologies and in-depth analytics,” said David Flinn, IGT SVP Canada, EMEA and LATAM, Gaming Sales.
With peak system security, network availability and responsible gaming functionalities, IntelligenEVO is a reliable, scalable solution that can meet the needs of today and in the future. The solution will accelerate time-to-market and enables the Atlantic Lottery to benefit from the system’s suite of player-focused functionality. The technology’s G2S and open API design optimizes data collection and delivery and will enable Atlantic Lottery to customize their program for evolving player needs.
The post IGT and Atlantic Lottery Sign Eight-Year Video Lottery Central System Technology Agreement appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
NetGaming, a fast-growing online casino content supplier, is proud to announce its launch in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a leading online casino and sports betting company in the United States, Canada and Latin America. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for NetGaming as it continues to expand its footprint across regulated North American markets.
As part of the launch, Ontario players on BetRivers can now enjoy a diverse portfolio of NetGaming titles, known for their high-quality graphics, immersive gameplay, and unique themes. Standout games such as Zeus’s Thunderbolt, Bison Gold, and Fireball Inferno are among the first to go live, with additional titles set to follow soon.
This partnership is just the beginning. NetGaming plans to extend its collaboration with Rush Street Interactive into Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Mexico over the coming months.
Pallavi Deshmukh, CEO of NetGaming, commented: “We are thrilled to go live with Rush Street Interactive, a powerhouse operator with a strong presence and loyal player base. This launch marks a significant milestone in our
North American expansion strategy and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences tailored to local player preferences across the region.”
Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, commented: “We are pleased to partner with NetGaming to bring innovative, premium games to our players in Ontario. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to offer world-class
entertainment through engaging, action-packed online casino games. We look forward to expanding this partnership into additional regulated markets in the months ahead.”
This strategic partnership highlights both companies’ dedication to providing high- quality, innovative, and responsible entertainment to players in regulated markets.
The post NetGaming Goes Live in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive via BetRivers Platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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