Many consider the Latin American gaming industry the most important in the world. These claims are supported by the fact that different markets in 2022 have seen significant progress. This is because they started conversations about a responsible regulatory system.
It’s not difficult to see that multiple development and setbacks have occurred from the South of Argentina to Mexico.
While Brazil and Chile will continue to be the most anticipated markets, Uruguay will allow everyone to access many more countries that have an industry. SBC Americas examines the top events in the quarter ended 2022.
Brazil: The giant, that will begin 2023 in sleep
As the Brazilian market is expected to grow by $3.4bn in 2027, the expectations are high. The political environment in South America, headed by President Jairbolsonaro strongly disapproves. The President was unable to sign the bill on December 12, but he repeatedly stated that he did not respect the deadline. Brazil will need to begin the sports betting regulations in Brazil from scratch by 2023. Then, the incoming president LuizInacio Lula will bring an alarm clock into the Palacio de Planalto.
Chile gives a red card for sponsorships
It decided to ban sponsorships of sports and betting in a move that was clearly different from Chile’s neighboring countries. The Chamber of Deputies voted in favor of the regulation, which was absurd in comparison to other regional bills. This decision pushed the Chilean sector’s fight for recognition to 2023.
Apostala is the only sports betting company in Paraguay
Last month, the Paraguayan regulator Conajzar ended bidding for a license to sports betting. Daruma Sam’s Apostala will once more be allowed to legally operate within the country. The consortium of Gaming Paraguay and Gambling SA, despite justifying their decision with the claim that Apostala presented the best proposal, was rejected. They have assured them that they will continue to fight for the right decision.
Enjoy and Dreams have to fight for each other’s merger
After many hurdles in the merger mission, Enjoy and Dreams continue to wait for resolution from the National Economic Prosecutor’s Office. The office at the end November resolved to prolong the period of analysis for the operation. Although the Chilean companies have sent the agency a message to confirm that there were no negative consequences, everything suggests that resolutions will be in place within the first month of next year. This is close to the anniversary of the original announcement.
Mendoza delays online tender until 2023
In response to two firms that requested licenses, the Mendoza province in Argentina decided to prolong the bidding process for online gambling until January 2023. The companies currently competing for licenses are Codere and Nuevo Plaza Hotel Mendoza S.A. Mendoza KLP Emprendimientos Desarrollos Maipu and Iberargen S.A. Mendoza, which is fourth in population,
SBC Summit Latinoamerica 2022
SBC Summit Latinoamerica is Latin America’s leading event for betting on and gaming. The second edition of the event welcomed over 1000 industry professionals to an exhibit floor that was four times larger than last year. Operators, suppliers and regulators were all welcome to the event. It promises more conference space, increased attendees and additional networking opportunities for 2023.
