The Latin American sector saw a variety of initiatives in April through June. These were further developed during the quarters that followed. In some cases, these projects were a mix of a prior and an after, like Peru or significant setbacks such as in Chileand Argentina. SBC Americas reexamines the top news stories from Latin America in the second quarter.
Peru targets online gambling
Mid-Q2 saw the unanimous approval of by the Finance Committee of the Peruvian Congress. This project allowed the country access to a regulated online gambling market and increased annual contributions to local sporting leagues. The story was not over, however.
Chile refuses to sponsor
Different representatives submitted a proposal to the Sports Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to ban sponsorships of sports events or with teams. This was a significant setback for the Chilean industry. Although it was not popularly supported, the measure gained momentum over time and reached a resolution during the final quarter of 2011.
Grupo Boldt’s historical shareholder structure has changed
Antonio Angel Tabanelli, after decades of service as president of Grupo Boldt in Argentina, has resigned. His children Rosana Beatriz Martina Tabanelli, Antonio Eduardo Tabanelli, are now the principal shareholders. Rosana currently serves as the majority shareholder and Director of the company. Antonio Eduardo is also the principal shareholder.
Baloto is left by IGT after twenty years
The bidding process to obtain the Baloto was concluded by the Colombian regulator Coljuegos. This resulted in Promesa de Sociedad Futura Operador Nacional de Juegos S.A.S. The winning company. This partnership replaces IGT which was responsible for this game’s success since 2001. These two companies were the only ones interested, even though the game had contributed more than $3.5m to the state in its first quarter.
Ecuador National Lottery launches its online platform
The Loteria Nacional de Ecuador has presented its brand new platform and mobile app for Bet593 its sports betting operator. The platform was launched in response to growing demands for entertainment on a local level. It has over 1,500 events.
Argentina’s soccer moves closer to the betting line
In the second quarter, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) made headlines again when it designated BetWarrior as the official sponsor for the national teams, the Argentina Cup and the local league in a’groundbreaking deal. Both sides signed the partnership just before the Finalissima match against Italy on June 1. This allowed South American to win another international trophy.
Buenos Aires reverses its position on the use of debit cards in gaming halls
Despite the approval of the province of Buenos Aires for the use of debit cards within gaming halls, the resolution was vacated after numerous concerns about problem gambling in Argentina’s largest jurisdiction. In 2022 the measure was not brought back up, so cash is prohibited in these rooms.
Waldir Eustaquio Jr. joins the SECAP Board
Following the resignation of Gustavo Guimaraes, and having held various roles within the industry, Waldir Eusequio Marques Jr was appointed as the Secretary of Evaluation, Planning, Energy and Lottery (SECAP), which oversees sports betting regulations. In 2022, the veteran official will be remembered again as he was appointed General Manager at Loterias Caixa in October.
