The GAT Expo Bogotá wrapped up its event on Thursday, October 15, registering impressive results in terms of sales, networking, and business opportunities in Colombia's capital. The expo solidified its position as a pivotal business platform for the gaming sector, uniting domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers with operators eager to enhance their gaming environments, adopt new technologies, expand their offerings, and modernize their operations.
Participants from 19 nations attended the event, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United States, France, Georgia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. National representation was significant, with business delegates from gaming operators across over 30 cities and municipalities, such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and more.
The wide geographic reach was complemented by international participation, which enhanced commerce, encouraged manufacturers and operators to engage directly, and fostered the formation of strategic partnerships. Coljuegos, Colombia’s gaming regulatory body, further enhanced the event's stature with an exhibition stand, bolstering industry discussions and advocating for legal gaming to attract business interest in Colombia.
Throughout the event, technology and innovation were prominent, with leading brands showcasing advancements in slot machines, gaming cabinets, jackpots, electronic roulette, management systems, payment solutions, and more. Operators had the chance to test these innovations through live demonstrations, aiding them in modernizing their establishments and diversifying their gaming offerings.
Prominent companies like Novomatic, Win Systems/Gold Club, Interblock, and Play Group seized the opportunity to solidify their business relations and expand their footprint in the Colombian market.
In addition to the exhibition, GAT Expo Bogotá included GAT Talks, designed as a forum for industry leaders to share insights and experiences. Sponsored by Gamanza and YaJuego, these discussions focused on crucial topics impacting the gaming industry in Colombia and beyond.
The first panel, “Responsible Gaming in South America,” tackled industry initiatives and challenges concerning responsible gaming practices. Moderated by Luis Zanazzi from ALEA, the panel featured Juan Carlos Restrepo of Asojuegos and Elizabeth Maya from Cornazar, emphasizing the need for collective action to promote safer gaming practices.
Another panel delved into issues faced by land-based casinos and retail gaming, highlighting the need for regulatory reform to keep pace with technological advancements. Moderated by Georges Didier from Gaming Laboratories International, it included legal and operational experts discussing the current landscape of game certification and the introduction of new gaming products.
The panel on gamification concluded the series, discussing how to enhance player experience beyond traditional bonuses. Moderated by Andrés Blanco of Gamanza Engage, experts examined the emotional connections that operators can cultivate with players, addressing the importance of responsible gaming, particularly in crisis situations like natural disasters.
José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT Events, remarked on the importance of balancing innovation with sustainability and player protection, asserting that responsible gaming is vital for the industry's future. He reflected on the feedback from exhibitors, who reported strong sales and successful meetings with operators, emphasizing that GAT Expo Bogotá serves more than just as a technology exhibition; it's a marketplace for actionable business deals.
Looking ahead, Aguirre mentioned the upcoming completion of the 2026 GAT Events circuit on November 18 at the Renaissance Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, promising a similar format of exhibition and networking opportunities for attendees.
