Last week marked a pivotal moment for the Latin American gaming industry, with SAGSE South America emerging as the central hub for innovation and strategic alignment across the region.

At the same time, Brazil continued to strengthen its regulatory framework and expand its presence in global institutional discussions.

 Rio de Janeiro at the Forefront: Loterj and Embratur Join the Global Elite of UN Tourism

In a historic milestone for the Brazilian gaming market, Loterj was formally invited, in March 2026, to become an affiliated member of UN Tourism.

The move establishes the institution as the first betting regulatory authority in the country to join this strategic United Nations group.

Embratur also joined the initiative on the same date, strengthening Brazil’s presence in global discussions on innovation and sustainability in the sector.

According to its leadership, the invitation validates a strategy focused on connecting regulated entertainment with regional economic development.

The goal is to use legal gaming as a driver to attract foreign investment and expand tourism infrastructure.

Data from Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism indicate that the legalization of the sector has the potential to increase tourism’s share of GDP from 8% to 12%, while also boosting employment levels by up to 20% across the service chain.

In the state of Rio de Janeiro, projections are equally promising: the regulation of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) and the expansion of sport bars are expected to generate around 65,000 formal jobs over the next two years.

Beyond income generation, the regulated model has also enabled significant social returns.

Over the past three years, Loterj has increased its budget for projects in vulnerable communities by 4,530%.

This progress aligns with the strong performance of tourism in Rio de Janeiro, which recorded its best results in three decades in 2025, welcoming 12.5 million visitors, including 2.1 million international tourists.

SAGSE South America 2026: The Epicenter of Innovation and the Leap of iGaming in Latin America

Buenos Aires became, between March 18 and 19, 2026, the beating heart of the Latin American gaming industry.

The 34th edition of SAGSE South America, held at the iconic Hilton Buenos Aires, reaffirmed its status as an essential business hub, bringing together more than 300 companies and a high-level audience, with 60% of attendees being international decision-makers (C-level executives).

Exclusive coverage from Gaming Americas indicated that the regional market experienced one of its most intense weeks, driven by an unprecedented level of regulatory maturity.

Industry analysis suggested that Latin America has moved beyond being a promise and is now an absolute execution priority for global players.

Technological launches and market penetration strategies

The main technological highlight of the event was BetConstruct.

Under the regional leadership of Sergio Longo, the company presented CHOICE, its latest artificial intelligence-driven product.

It was noted that the innovation enables operators to analyze player behavior in real time, delivering highly personalized experiences and significantly increasing retention.

Meanwhile, Comtrade Gaming, represented by Marcello Reis, used SAGSE as a strategic platform to strengthen its penetration in the Brazilian market.

The company aims to expand its footprint by offering modular infrastructure and local support for operators seeking stability and compliance within the new regulatory environment.

Major players on the move

Other leading brands also set the pace at Hilton Buenos Aires: Betby, Pragmatic Play, 3 Oaks Gaming, Altenar,  Eightroom.

According to Henrique De Simoni, Country Manager LatAM at 3 Oaks Gaming, “Our presence at SAGSE reinforces our strategic commitment to the Argentine market, which continues to be a key pillar in our expansion across Latin America.

Argentina has a unique dynamic, with its provincial regulatory model requiring deep local expertise and a strong capacity for adaptation.

Being present at such a relevant event as SAGSE allows us to strengthen relationships with operators, partners, and regulators, while closely monitoring the evolution of the market,” he said.

“We see Argentina as a highly strategic environment, not only due to its commercial potential, but also because of the maturity of its audience and the high level of player engagement across the main regulated provinces.

We remain strong with 3 Oaks in our core LATAM market,” concludes Henrique.

For Eightroom, its participation in the SAGSE trade show in Buenos Aires represented an extremely valuable opportunity to strengthen its presence in the Argentine online gambling market.

According to Andres Palma, CMO, “this event allowed us to connect directly with operators and potential partners, generating strategic networking opportunities and reinforcing key relationships in the industry.

Furthermore, SAGSE was the ideal platform to announce Eightroom’s launch in Argentina, positioning us as a solution focused on acquiring high-value players capable of contributing sustained growth and profitability to our partners’ operations.”

In addition, companies such as Oddin.gg, Betsson Group, GR8 Tech, Bwise, Loteria de Buenos Aires, Pronto Paga and many others were also present, reinforcing that the industry is moving toward a sustainable growth model based on security, fast payments and operational integrity.

SAGSE 2026 demonstrated that the LATAM market is in full expansion and that collaboration between suppliers and regulators is the only path to long-term success.

With the conclusion of this edition, dates for 2027 have already been confirmed, maintaining Buenos Aires as a key meeting point for the industry.

SPA makes adhesion framework available for states and Federal District to join SINAPO

The development of a cooperative federal environment for the betting sector reached a new milestone this week.

Brazil’s Ministry of Finance made available the adhesion agreement for the National Betting Systematization Forum (SINAPO), allowing states and the Federal District to formalize their participation.

The forum was established through Ordinance No. 227/2026 within the Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas (SPA), creating a permanent space for dialogue among federal entities on the development and improvement of sector regulation.

The initiative aims to strengthen technical cooperation, promote the exchange of best practices, enhance data integration and support joint strategies related to public betting policies.

Additional objectives include improving regulatory frameworks, increasing legal certainty and transparency, and reinforcing integrity and player protection.

Alckmin signals new restrictions on online betting

Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stated that the federal government will introduce new restrictions on online betting platforms, particularly targeting mobile gaming due to concerns over compulsive behavior.

The announcement was made during a meeting with retail sector representatives, who have increasingly linked betting activity to declining consumer performance and rising household debt.

However, industry representatives have challenged these claims, arguing that there is no empirical evidence directly connecting regulated betting to retail downturns.

Data from the Ministry of Finance show that most Brazilian bettors spend relatively low monthly amounts, with an average ticket of approximately R$122.

The debate highlights growing tensions between sectors, with legal disputes emerging over the economic and social impact of betting in Brazil.

Sportradar and BSN strengthen partnership in Puerto Rico

Sportradar expanded its agreement with Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), reinforcing its role in supporting the development of professional basketball in Puerto Rico through technology, data and integrity solutions.

Under the renewed deal, the company retains exclusive global betting-related audiovisual and data rights, alongside non-exclusive coaching and scouting rights.

The agreement also includes integrity services and performance tools to enhance operations and compliance.

Both parties indicated that the partnership aims to accelerate international growth, strengthen integrity standards and improve operational efficiency ahead of future seasons.