Latin America

Latin America: everything to play for

Published

5 years ago

May 6, 2019

Although much of the industry’s focus is on North America at the moment, recent developments in South America mean the southern continent of the Americas is turning just as many heads.

With an enormous population of more than 600 million and a strong sporting culture, Latin America is an enticing prospect for sports betting operators looking to enter new markets.

Interest in the region has increased significantly since Brazil’s government began the process of developing regulations for sports betting last year. The recent introduction of online gambling legislation in the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina is also being viewed as encouraging by many.

“Latin America is a huge market with great potential,” says .

But this part of the world is not without its challenges. While countries such as Brazil and Argentina are well known for their love of football and there’s a strong tradition of gambling among their populations, the lack of regulation has held back many online operators.

Difficulty accessing financial services and appropriate payment methods has proven another challenge, particularly as many countries in the region have low levels of financial inclusion.

The Colombian blueprint
However, the development of the online market in Colombia is proving the region has real potential. Since regulating the market in 2016, the country has attracted 17 licensees and its regulatory system is being viewed by many as a blueprint for other Latin American countries.

Altenar has been active in the Colombian market since day one, having launched a fully managed sports betting solution for the country’s first licensed sportsbook, Wplay. The operator remains the market leader in Colombia, with about 50% of the market.

Stranomitis says Wplay’s success is largely due to the focus on localisation. “While other providers tried to introduce European methods into Colombia, Altenar listened to local voices and designed a sportsbook for Wplay.”

He says operators must not only differentiate their offerings in Latin America from the products they provide in other regions, but they must also pay attention to differences within the region itself.

While Altenar is also active in Mexico via its partnership with Playdoit, Stranomitis says developing products suitable for the two markets wasn’t simply a matter of looking at what worked in one and transferring it to the other.

“Despite some people’s belief, Colombia is a completely different market from Mexico and this is the big lesson Altenar has learned when it comes to Latin America.

“This is something successful operators in any Latin American country must bear in mind as they try to enter others.”

But while the differences between countries pose challenges, they are certainly not insurmountable, says Stranomitis. Indeed, Altenar is already preparing to expand its footprint further across the region.

“At the moment we are evaluating Peru and Argentina, as possibly those are the countries where operators may soon be able to secure an appropriate licence. Then obviously there is the ‘big bet’ of Brazil, which is a hugely promising country although we are still waiting for the government to deliver the new law.

“Last but not least, we are keeping an eye on the Caribbean islands, as we think there could be value there that not many can see at the moment.”

Compliance Updates

Play’n GO breaks new ground with entrance into third Argentinian province

Published

19 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

Swedish gaming giants’ games now available in the province of Córdoba’s newly regulated market

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced their expansion into yet another new regulated market, as the Swedish gaming giant has agreed a partnership with Betsson in the province of Córdoba, Argentina.

Argentina is currently in a process of regulation for online gaming purposes on a province-by-province basis, and the partnership with Betsson sees Play’n GO enter yet another regulated market, keeping up the momentum from 2023 that saw the company expand its global reach.

This announcement sees Betsson’s players in Córdoba gain access to Play’n GO’s entire catalogue of games, including classics such as Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Moon Princess.

This announcement is a signal of intent from Play’n GO, who reiterate their commitment to be present in every regulated market in the world.

Michele Stefanelli, Sales Leader, LATAM and Southern Europe, Play’n GO said: “Our first foray into a new region is always exciting for us, and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership with Betsson in Córdoba. Players around the world, and especially in the LATAM region, have already shown their fondness for our content, and we’re quietly confident that this new region will be no different. We are on record with our commitment to a safe, regulated industry, and we’re very pleased to see that approach rolled out globally by lawmakers and operators alike.”

Maximiliano Bellio, Managing Director Betsson Argentina, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Play’n GO to the Betsson family here in the Córdoba region, and we look forward to many years of success together. Like Play’n GO, Betsson is committed to a sustainable industry model, so this partnership makes perfect sense for both parties. We’re sure our players will be as excited as we are once they start playing these games that have proven so popular around the world, so let’s get started.”

Play’n GO’s games are already available in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province within Argentina’s federal system.

Latin America

Salsa Technology Hails Hugely Successful BIS SiGMA Americas

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2024

Alan Campbell

Salsa Technology has hailed a hugely successful BIS SiGMA Americas where it presented its Latin America-ready solutions. Sao Paulo’s Transamerica Expo provided the backdrop for the Brazilian iGaming community to come together to discuss all the major trends and developments in the region.

From Salsa Technology’s biggest stand yet at the event, the team was on hand for the duration to share info about the cutting-edge technology and highly-flexible solutions created specifically to meet the needs of local markets. The GLI-certified PAM, Salsa Omni, was a hot topic for those seriously exploring the regulated Brazilian market. It provides a comprehensive solution that includes secure migrations for peace of mind. Salsa Technology’s recent collaboration and seamless launch with NossaBet sparked many new conversations around partnerships.

“Seeing the sheer number of people visiting our stand and enquiring about our Latin America-ready solutions filled me with pride,” the founder of Salsa Technology, Peter Nolte, said. “There is huge momentum in the region following the regulatory advancements and we’re perfectly positioned to support those wanting to succeed here.”

Many productive exchanges were focused on Salsa Gator given its unrivalled ability to provide casino gaming in the regulated Brazilian market, complying with the specific requirements laid out by state regulators.

During the two days in Sao Paulo, Salsa Technology’s signature Senhor do Bomfim wish ribbons were in high demand, while the artisanal cachaca kept the conversations flowing.

“This year’s BIS SiGMA Americas event was the best yet for the business as the focus has never been sharper on what our solutions can deliver within the region,” the Chief Operating Officer for Salsa Technology, Andre Filipe Neves, said. “Attendees arrived with clear intentions and demands to discuss how best to expand into these regulated markets. Our preparation set the stage for significant success.”

Latin America

Sportingtech Places New Local Talent Front and Center at BiS SiGMA Americas

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2024

Alan Campbell

Award-winning provider highlights vast Latin American expertise at show

Full-service betting and gaming platform provider Sportingtech has introduced some of its newly-appointed Latin American team at this year’s BiS SiGMA Americas, showcasing how its local know-how and intuitive products can elevate any operator’s position in the region.

On-hand for the duration of the event in Sao Paulo was Marina Selmi, Latin America Regional Sales Manager, who outlined the full power of the supplier’s solution. Sportingtech’s expertise in the Latin American market was on display to more than 10,000 delegates, with the company boasting a comprehensive understanding of customer preferences across the region.

Laura Manzella, Senior Account Manager, was also present to provide insight on the current landscape. Manzella was able to inform partners of the latest regulatory updates and detailed the provider’s most recent technological developments to highlight its robust products.

Sportingtech has made great strides in developing its Latin America-facing team in recent months, with boots-on-the-ground personnel keeping abreast of the changing legislative scene to ensure compliance.

The supplier places a huge emphasis on its people and takes pride in fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. To coincide with this, there have been several key hires in senior positions across the company to help accelerate growth, following Chief Executive Officer Tom Ustunel’s appointment in December of 2023.

This year’s event saw Sportingtech pick up another high-profile industry accolade as Ustunel (pictured) won the coveted Chief Executive Officer of the Year award. The win recognized the leadership and commitment he has brought to Sportingtech as the brand is primed for more growth across the globe in 2024.

“BiS SiGMA Americas is certainly one of the most important events in the calendar and we had a tremendous experience at this year’s show,” Ustunel said. “It was important for us to showcase our local team members who have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the region and how we can positively impact the offerings of current and prospective partners. With regulations in Brazil almost finalized and other markets showing unique appeal and growth potential, we are well-placed to exceed operators’ expectations across Latin America.”