Latin America
New report into LATAM’s US$5BN betting industry shows massive growth potential and diversity across nations
* Market study by Sherlock Communications of Latin America’s six main economies finds Brazilians and Peruvians bet more than anyone else
* Understanding the legislation and landscapes of each individual country is key to bookmakers successfully operating in the region
* Free bets will attract new customers regardless of the market, but selecting brand ambassadors is not so simple as different countries prefer different profiles
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the Latin American gambling industry undergoing widespread changes as betting companies migrate online and casinos are forced to close their doors. Now, a new market report into the perspectives and betting practices of the region’s population sheds new light on the present and future growth of an industry already estimated to be worth close to US$5 billion in LATAM.
Published by Sherlock Communications, A Big Bet: The Latin American Betting Market on the Rise studies the region’s six main economies — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru — and includes a survey of more than 3,000 residents carried out in partnership with Toluna.
While one in four respondents said they have never placed a bet, close to 39 percent of respondents have done so “a few times” and in Brazil and Peru, 18 percent said they bet more than once a week. The report makes clear each country must be analysed within its own context: For example, Brazilians gamble more than any other nationality yet some 20 percent of them — twice as many as Chile and four times as many as Mexico — believe gambling should be illegal in their country.
“Our report shows the need – and indeed desire – for clear and concise regulations,” said Patrick O’Neill, managing partner of Sherlock Communications. “Countries where betting is unregulated is less attractive to international companies as well as more dangerous for customers”.
The report found that when it comes to selecting an ambassador to help attract potential customers, the criteria varies from market to market. A professional player is preferred in Colombia and Brazil, while respondents in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Peru believe a TV host would better boost the profile of the bookmaker. More than one in five of all respondents believe a footballer is an effective ambassador, yet even then there are differences as Colombians, for instance, said success is more likely when using a local hero whereas in Peru an international star is preferred.
Latin Americans, however, are in agreement when it comes to what would help make them decide which betting company to use. Some 62 percent of all respondents cited free bets and special offers as the main reason to choose a bookmaker. Only in Colombia was a simple payment system prioritised (60%) over enticing promotions (58%). An easily navigable, mobile-friendly website is another important criteria, as is local language support.
When it comes to casinos, Brazil is the only country among those surveyed where physical establishments are not allowed, although approval and legislation is pending. Brazilian respondents believe, if passed, it could help the economy grow (30%), attract more tourists and money (43%), and generate jobs (40%). There are, however, concerns too: Close to 30% of all those surveyed in the region believe a casino can increase addiction to gambling and even drinking. In Brazil, 23 percent of respondents also believe it could lead to an increase in money laundering.
“The Brazilian government has before it the opportunity to recognize gambling as an economic activity, like 80% of the countries that make up the UN. We argue that the country has the potential for a diversified package of games, in particular we believe in the primary insertion of the urban casinos model that allows capillarity and widespread investments in the various municipalities with a tourist vocation that are spread across the country, representing opportunities for investors in Brazil of the world “, said Olavo Sales da Silveira, Chairman of the Board of ABRABINCS – Brazilian Association of Bingo, Casinos and Similars.
Innovative games provider ESA Gaming has received Brazilian Certification as it continues to focus on new markets.
The certification will allow ESA Gaming to distribute both its games and Game Aggregator System (GAS), to players and operators throughout Brazil.
With a mix of non-traditional content such as football-themed mine games and crash style games, as well as established casino classics, ESA’s games have a proven cross-selling capacity, without cannibalisation, helping sportsbooks to prolong brand loyalty and add revenue.
ESA Gaming has enjoyed a positive 12 months of growth, signing numerous agreements in key territories, as well as expanding its portfolio with the addition of multiple slot titles and, most recently, its first Plinko game; Plinko Drops.
The supplier also holds certifications in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Colombia, South Africa as well as an MGA supplier licence, highlighting the provider’s intentions to grow its product range in regulated markets.
Thomas Smallwood, CCO at ESA Gaming, said: “Receiving our Brazilian certification is a hugely exciting moment for us in our step towards expansion in LatAm. The Brazilian market has a huge potential and we are eager to see how our titles are received.
“It is the first important milestone of 2025 for us that we hope can act as a springboard for further growth.”
Latest News
GLOBE LINK™ Xtension: NOVOMATIC unveils the next evolution in Linked Progressives at GAT Cartagena
Once again, GAT Cartagena will be the epicenter of the gaming industry in Latin America. NOVOMATIC is unveiling cutting-edge solutions designed to push the boundaries of entertainment in gaming venues. From April 28 to 30, the Hotel Las Américas will host the industry’s key players. As a major sponsor, NOVOMATIC will present innovations that elevate player engagement, optimize operational performance, and drive profitability.
Leading the lineup is GLOBE LINK™ Xtension Volume 2, NOVOMATIC’s latest Linked Progressive series, engineered to intensify excitement with every spin. Making its grand debut is the RUBY PACKAGE, a premium combination of GLOBE LINK™ Xtension Volume 2 and the BLACK EDITION II 1.49J cabinet. This powerful duo enhances gameplay with striking aesthetics and innovative features like Golden Spins, Expanding Reels, and the Xpress Feature, delivering instant immersion. The package includes five captivating titles designed to maximize engagement: Golden Chicago™ XL, Savanna Heat™, Sugar Bliss™, Thunder Reign™, and Tiki Crush™, each offering a unique narrative and gameplay that takes the thrill to the next level.
On top of that, NOVOMATIC introduces the OBSIDIAN PACKAGE, a high-impact gaming solution that pairs the IMPERA LINK™ Series 2 jackpot with the BLACK EDITION II 3.27 cabinet for operators looking for additional options. This setup is designed to deliver premium experience, featuring top- performing games and a progressive jackpot system that ensures engaging gameplay and optimized profitability for gaming venues.
Attendees will also get an exclusive preview of other proven Linked Progressives, such as SUPERIA GOLDEN LINK™ Volume 2, available in the BLACK EDITION II 3.32, and NOVOLINE™ GOLDEN LINK™ Edition 2, featured in the MASTER SL™ 3.32 cabinet. In the multi-game segment, NOVOMATIC will showcase the acclaimed NOVOLINE™ Interactive Edition X4 and Impera Line™ HD 9, integrated into the versatile PANTHER 2.27 cabinets, reaffirming the company’s innovation and premium entertainment leadership.
“NOVOMATIC’s Linked Progressive Jackpots have proven their success in Latin America’s most prestigious gaming venues, becoming a benchmark for performance among our customers. Now, we are expanding this successful category with GLOBE LINK™ Xtension Volume 2, featuring the BLACK EDITION II 1.49J cabinet in the exclusive RUBY PACKAGE. With this innovative offering, we are taking the player experience to new heights while providing operators with high-performance tools to maximize their results,” says Manuel Del Sol, Managing Director of NOVOMATIC Gaming Colombia.
These solutions are designed to help operators attract more players, optimize profitability, and deliver unparalleled gaming experiences. At GAT Cartagena 2025, industry professionals will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how these innovations can transform their business and elevate their entertainment offerings. See you at GAT Expo at booth #A25!
SOFTSWISS, a global technology company and leader in iGaming software solutions, announces the extension of its strategic collaboration with legendary Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello, who will continue in his role as Non-Executive Director in Latin America.
This renewed agreement builds on a successful first year of collaboration, which has become a cornerstone of SOFTSWISS’ positioning across Latin America and beyond based on shared values of partnership and cultural connection.
Since April 2024, Barrichello has served as an authentic voice for SOFTSWISS at key industry and business events, both across Latin America and internationally. His role has gone far beyond traditional brand endorsement, encompassing leadership visibility, market engagement, and relationship-building with clients and communities.
Over the past year, Barrichello has played a pivotal role in reinforcing SOFTSWISS’ growth, hosting high-level partner engagements that combine cultural relevance with exclusive experiences. His voice was also central to the company’s response to the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Through the Help Brazil initiative, Barrichello assisted in amplifying calls for support and raising awareness around the urgent need for action. What began as an emergency relief effort evolved into a commitment to clean water access – a deeply personal initiative for him and SOFTSWISS, grounded in empathy and solidarity with affected communities.
In addition, Barrichello participated as a speaker at the SOFTSWISS Excellence Talks series, where he shared his unique expertise with the company’s global team.
“Rubens brings an unmatched level of authenticity, integrity, and passion to everything he does,” says Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS. “Over time, he has become a true friend. His presence within our team has helped us connect with Latin American partners, clients, and audiences on a deeper level – not only as a brand but as a long-term, responsible partner in the region.”
“I’m proud to continue this journey with SOFTSWISS,” says Rubens Barrichello. “Our first year together has shown how shared values can translate into meaningful impact – for business, regional markets and local communities. I look forward to helping take this partnership even further.”
As part of the renewed collaboration, Barrichello will continue supporting SOFTSWISS in strategic market growth, high-level representation, and cultural localization. His most recent appearance was a keynote speech during the opening day of SiGMA Americas 2025 in São Paulo – one of the most important iGaming events in the region.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
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